Bad hips

I've run marathons in the 2:40's and didn't find that a lot of fun.

From start of running to a marathon in seven or eight months is a bit extreme but I know of a guy who started running and 11 months later ran 2:17 for the distance.

Not sure why I mentioned that, maybe it was to demonstrate that some people are built for running, some (most) aren't.

How you come to be in the London Marathon I've no idea. But in situations where entering a marathon as a source of motivation to do some exercise, any exercise,  I regard that means as just plain daft.

If walking the London Marathon, I'd recommend ear plugs and a few changes of socks.

Food and some aspirin will get you around.

A personal achievement it will be. As an achievement in general, no one will care. Thousands have walked the London Marathon. Its been done before.

But not by you. Good luck.

I seriously do NOT get the lure of the london marathon.  Ever since I started running I fancied a marathon - but not necessarily London - there are lots of others and they are just as well organised - some are much more fun - they just aren't on the telly.

Why do you want to do it?

If it's the challenge then why not pick something that you can actually get stuck into.  If you can't run - you can't run - so why do a running race?  Do a moonwalk instead.  Or get into cycling and do some sportives .....

London really isn't some special wonderful thing - it's just another marathon.  

But if you 'have' to do it - then do it.  If people get annoyed etc then that's their problem.

Well you said you started running 6 months ago.  I didn't do my first marathon till I have been running for a few years and done a few halfs.  That's because I started running because I enjoyed running - not because I wanted to complete any particular race.  As I said, I don't get the 'want to do London' thing.  

I have experience of doing a marathon and having a bad time due to hip and lower back pain. I am an experienced runner of over 20 years and had done 2 London's.

On the day of my marathon at 8 miles the pain started and was down to walk/run, which became walk more/run a tiny bit, then walk. 7 hours and 5 minutes to get to the finish. No running for 2 months after. Now back doing short runs after lots of physio etc.

It is not worth pushing your body too much. Do you want to be able to run or even walk without pain again, you have a chronic problem already and by doing the marathon it could be made a hell of a lot worse.
Please respect the distance or it will bite you back.

You can defer your place and do it next year.

Why is it your 'one and only chance to run it'?  Can't you defer until next year (or year after)?   If scans have come back normal hopefully your physio has given glute strengthening/ hip moblisation programme.

Youve got to listen to your body and think carefully about what running that distance in pain could do to your body. I don't think anyone will be annoyed if you walk most of it!

Emma,

Have you considered getting your hips checked out by a consultant that specialises in young people (under 50ish) with hip problems. In 2008 my hip xrays were also considered normal -since then I found the right consultant who, knowing what to look for,  diagnosed severe hip dysplasia! After 5 surgeries, including 2 reconstructions of my hip sockets I get the final lot of metalwork removed in April then can continue my training for the GNR. Unfortunately my story isnt unique and I know of many others who were also told by consultants that their xrays were normal too.

Regarding the VLM only you can decide but if you are able to do it without causing too much pain but  I am sure you wont be the only one walking it and positive noone will laugh-everyone has their own reasons for taking part and various limitations that mean some cant run it.

Good luck.

Are you going to raise a shed load of money for charity?  Is there an 8 hour limit, if the answer is yes to both, then you could do it.  If you are terminally ill, then why the hell not (Jane Tomlinson).  If you are sponsored to the hilt, would those people seriously withdraw thier support for your charity because you were too ill to run? However if this is not the case and in five years time you may cost the NHS ten times what you raise, because you ran/walked a marathon before your body had adapted, then what's the point.  Do you want to be permanently disabled?  I have run marathons and I have had to quit training programs and pull out of events because of injuries... you have to listen to your body.  You only have one body, run because it improves your fitness and your body... do not damage your body, and please, please do not damage your body running! Tha tto me is horrible (and I wish I had better words).  That is nothing to do with the sport of running.       It takes time for a body to adapt, the older you are the longer it takes, for a marathon you have to train, it takes months (Jade Goodier) and you have to be prepared for set backs.  I would say forget London, get better and if you can cover 18 miles in training (in say 4.5 hour) without pain, 4 weeks before your event, then you are ready to do it.  There are events all over the UK all year around, many of them are far more scenic, interesting and soulful than London.  Anything you want really.  All the best, listen to your body  

GymAddict wrote (see)

I seriously do NOT get the lure of the london marathon.  Ever since I started running I fancied a marathon - but not necessarily London - there are lots of others and they are just as well organised - some are much more fun - they just aren't on the telly.

 

Why do you want to do it?

 

If it's the challenge then why not pick something that you can actually get stuck into.  If you can't run - you can't run - so why do a running race?  Do a moonwalk instead.  Or get into cycling and do some sportives .....

 

London really isn't some special wonderful thing - it's just another marathon.  

 

But if you 'have' to do it - then do it.  If people get annoyed etc then that's their problem.

Snowdonia is on S4C, these days anyway!

Not that I'm suggesting anyone who is not an experienced distance runner should even think about Snowdonia.

  You can keep Snowdonia thanks - walked up once - that was plenty

The marathon doesn't go up the mountain, it takes the rodas around the base.  It builds up to 8% in the first four miles.  There a long steady on efron 13 to 18 ish.  the last hill 21 - 24 tops out at 10%. Saw some people walking that one!

I'd say the hardest UK road marathon, since they spoilt Langdale by reversing it!  PS I hope that's true and not a wind-up.

Someones going to pipe in about The Cornish marathon about now.

Clearly this is old fashioned crap, Having done the Olympian Marathon, an off roader along Wenloch Edge and having done cliff running for training purposes only, while on my hols.  I can say that all the serious marathons are off road (PBs not included).  

             Ok I've gone off on one, hope your hips get better and you do something sensible, a moonwalk, a bike ride, a 10K when you feel better.  

People are born with pluses and minuses... I can't play an instrument, speak foreign languages and my eye sight is going.  may be you are just not a runner, enjoy the things you can do, before you can't anymore...

I am that sad nack that pulls myself out through the waves on my second hand longboadr hoping to catch a wave... every now and then I get one, I get up in time to steer a bottom turn on the bus I drive these days... but I will still go back for more, because I remember the days when I still could.  I remember the sunsets, the dawn patrols, the barrels...

Whatever you do in life, do it wel, enjoy it and stop worrying about the shit you can't do... like make money!!! 

If DTES turns up, please ignore... I do.  

Probably better you don't mention your sore knee, Emma B

Emma, you are new to this site, there are a lot of trolls. Wikipaedia will explain.  Follow the advice above, ignore the crap below. 

You stupid twat, this is not a sore knee.

Canute, You appear to have issues.