Any marathon runners on here?

[BreakfastBurrito]

I'm trying to determine whether or not I should try a marathon in about a month. My training hasn't been the strongest thus far. I've done pretty much no long runs except for a half marathon race a few weeks ago and it wasn't the best experience but I did get through it. I do have pretty strong willpower in these races though and will pretty much never quit once I start something.

So the question is, do I squeeze in a couple long runs over the next few weekends, show up on race day and run until I finish or die, or just say to hell with it, there's no way I have enough time to train properly, I'll just hurt myself?

I will do whatever OOT recommends.

[asofel]

If a half marathon wasn't the best experience, but you got through it, I doubt a month is adequate preparation. Imagine getting through it only to find you're halfway done. I'm sure you could physically finish it, but do it the right way and train properly.

[asb165]

I've done 4 marathons with little training. They have not gone particularly well, but hey, you get a medal and that makes it all worth it. Just don't stop moving. Or, you could "do it right". But that takes much more time that is better used drinking.

[tbach24]

How many miles per day and per week are you doing?

[tbach24]

this might help]

[M2d]

[ QUOTE ]
But that takes much more time that is better used drinking.

[/ QUOTE ]
the proper term is "advanced carbo-loading"

[chaas4747]

[ QUOTE ]
I've done 4 marathons with little training. They have not gone particularly well, but hey, you get a medal and that makes it all worth it.

[/ QUOTE ]

If they have not gone well, what is your motivation here?

[Emmitt2222]

Seriously, it will be quite painful but you can do it if you are determined. I dont know what age you are as that could have a large impact but I know my friends who are 20 only trained for a few months and it was pretty lousy training. They only ever did one long run that wasnt even 20 miles before the marathon. If you are OK running 10 miles without feeling dead you can run a marathon even though it won't be easy. They all finished under 6 hours too. Its definitly possible, just don't stretch yourself thin by putting in too many long runs before the actual race, you only need a few at the most and make sure your last week is mostly resting. You can do it, I believe in you.

[BreakfastBurrito]

[ QUOTE ]
How many miles per day and per week are you doing?

[/ QUOTE ]

I probably only run 3-4 times a week, usually 4-6 mile runs. I'm at the point where these runs are pretty easy and I really try to step up the pace on them. I've been meaning to add at least one 8-9 miler per week but never seem to do it.

I said the half marathon wasn't a great experience because my previous two (a year and a half ago) were good experiences, where I was able to really pick up the pace in the second half of the race and finish strong. The most recent one was the La Jolla half marathon though, which I guess is known as a hilly and challenging course.

[asb165]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I've done 4 marathons with little training. They have not gone particularly well, but hey, you get a medal and that makes it all worth it.

[/ QUOTE ]

If they have not gone well, what is your motivation here?

[/ QUOTE ]

By well, I mean particularly quick. The NYC Marathon is something that everyone with any desire to run a marathon should do.