Realistic expectations for 1st marathon

Dylan

I would say sub 3 hours is well on. I started running in January, posted a 1:28 in April  (Reading HM) as my first race. Went on to run 3:02 in Wales Marathon, 10th June. That was hilly , approx 850m elevation. My aim for that race was to achieve GFA time below 3:15.

Sounds like you are well ahead of me with your HM time. I hacked a few plans together for my first marathon, and ran a lot of hills as part of the long runs to make them race specific.

I am now commencing a P&D 16 week plan for an autumn marathon on something flatter. Using their 50 - 70 miles per week with a few modifications as I do quite a bit of walking mileage.

Did the 16 mile run from the plan last week. Got home, family crisis, no phone  etc etc, and I ended up doing another 15 miles (had to walk 3 of them! - wimp). Not the best start, but now I have a 50k under my belt.

Hi Dylan, I did a HM after 4 weeks in a training event running with a pacer, so my debut time was 1.41. Spent ages running behind a bloke wearing a Lucozade bottle before deciding I could run faster!

Regarding Targets, my A target of sub 3:15 was changed from sub 3:30 after doing a few long runs of 22 miles where about 12 miles was run at marathon pace. I then reset my targets to A. Sub 3:15 (perfect day), and B: Sub 3:25 (Ok for first marathon). 

I don't think I have any natural ability - it is down to some focused, distance specific training. A lot of people on here seem to rate the P&D plans so I am using them this time.

I respect the distance but did not set a target of "just get round". Personally find that too soft and vauge if you train properly for the distance. My main target was get under 3:15 (1 second, or 30 mins would have done), and I wanted to run the whole distance (one of the hills almost got me).

There are some good threads. I joined in:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/spring-marathon/sub-3h15/168846-967.html

Maybe you should look at the sub 3:00 thread. These are good for advice etc, and a lot of people on them are familiar with P&D schedules 

I know whay you mean. I have based  my training paces this time on a 2:58 target time. This gives a Mcmillan range of 7:18 - 8:18 for long runs, 7:18 - 7:48  for easy runs (general aeorbic runs in P&D terms) and Recovery 8:18 - 8:48 , Tempo 6:11 - 6:27

This is working ok so far

I have run in the same model of trainer post half marathon in April. I am a mild pronator and need a little bit of support and am using Asics 1160s. Before that I had a pair of new balance that were for pronators that had a lot of support. I was advised to reduce the level of support when I went for a new pair in April. The Asics and the New Balance were well cushioned.