First Maathon Time

I'm a novice veteran runner (47),I completed the Great North Run this year in 1.53 (first race) and have entered the Barcelona Marathon this will be my first Marathon what would be classed as a respecatble time to aim for?

Almost any marathon finishing time should be considered respectable for a novice veteran - but you specifically ask what to aim for, and that depends on the amount of training you've put in  and also on your psyche.

If I was you (novice 47yr old - therefore probably quite capable of improving), having done 1:57 GNR in September...  and if I was finding the time to do a decent amount of training for a March marathon, I'd be basing my training programme around a target of 3:59:59. If you follow the training plan well, you can achieve that.  If your work/other is going to make training a  challenge, then think about 4-20 as a target.

You've got to be prepared, whatever target you choose, that you could beat it by a bit, but you might miss it by a lot!!  Good luck.

Do a HM as part of your training, say 4 weeks out. This should give you a better idea. But, there are lots of dependancies, not least the number and length of your long runs. These will determine your time (and the amount of pain) for your last 10k.

Some great comments and advice Thanks

great advice Gerald im doing the Edinbrugh as my first marathon this year and will be taking your advice on board thanx. By the way im a vet 50

I'm a tad younger (almost 40) and off a 1:46 GNR last year managed a 4:18 first marathon in Chester (off 16 weeks total training and 2 stone overweight inc the GNR three weeks earlier than the marathon).  I was aiming sub 3:50 (overly ambitious I was told for a 1st marathon, but I didn't listen!) and on course, until knee issues due to fatigue at miles 18-20 onward (walk, limp run rotation every 50m).  I'm fairly sure I could have done sub 4:00 with an extra 2 months of prep and a more long runs (or maybe even just setting off slower) - long runs... I think this is the key to get three or four 20+ milers in beforehand, I only managed two 18-19 milers.

As you can see above - I'd imagine this is a typical collapse, slowing from a too quick start - 8:30 min/miles up to 16.5 miles to too slow finish - 12 min/miles as fatigue and poor form induced knee pain.

If you kept your training ticking over since the GNR and you pace yourself sensibly you should be on course for 4:00-4:20 I'd have thought.  Then again if it's a hot day in Barcelona that could increase a fair but!

I was gutted with 4:18 for a couple of hours after the finish - but in hindsight and reading others on these forums, now I'm rather pleased with it for a first marathon because *I finished*!  Just enjoy it regardless of time and plan for a good time in your "second" marathon.

I just thought I'd update. I completed the Marathon in 4:33 so overall very pleased but very similar experience to daeve, In hindsight I didn't get enough long runs in only one 20 mile before the event. I got to 18 miles in 3 hours then it all went to pot 1:33 for the next 8 no injuries just dead legs, Great event Barcelona, Rome next!!

Nice one!  A finish in your first marathon is a finish - no matter the time.  You don't know what to expect until you do one - next time we'll be more prepared (I"ve started now for Sept!).  Good luck.

If I can persuade the family, Rome or Amsterdam seem like a good idea! Any you would recommend in the UK or abroad without the need to raise a lot for charity.

I cried when I finished my first marathon (younger than you, but not a youngster).

To this day I don't know if I was crying because I had done it, or because I had taken over 4 hrs.

I immediately started planning hitting my target, which I did next time out, 9 months later.

These days I enjoy running, and I want you to enjoy it also... never cross the finishing line (how ever far it is from the start), feeling disappointed.  Always do your best,use targets to help you focus, but do not use them to beat yourself up.

Enjoy your running.  

1307sko wrote (see)

If I can persuade the family, Rome or Amsterdam seem like a good idea! Any you would recommend in the UK or abroad without the need to raise a lot for charity.

Maybe doesn't sound as grand as Rome or Amsterdam but how about the Loch Ness Marathon in September? I'm doing it as my first Marathon and it's early enough to get in without needing a Charity place (though you could always raise a few bob for my Charity lol). Interestingly they coach you the 26 miles to the start then you run back to Inverness and looking at the profile it's a net decline with just 3 big hills (well, it is the Scotish Highlands).