Can I train for a marathon in 8 weeks?

Hi,

I'm new to all of this but I'm really keen to run the Brighton Marathon in mid-April.

I'm 20, reasonably fit (work out perhaps twice a week) but can only do 5k on a treadmill.

I've read that on average it takes 12-16 weeks to train for a marathon but if I were to enter this one - I would only have 8 weeks, does anyone believe this is physically possible or is it just a silly idea?

I'd also be happy running a half marathon but am based in London and so finding local halves with availability is near impossible.

Thanks,

It would be physically possible to complete one, but would likely involve quite a lot of walking, possibly a bit of pain, risk of injury from trying to build up the milege too quickly, and a long and uncomfortable recovery. So unless there is some compulsion by way of someone holding a gun to your head I really wouldn't bother.

BTW I'd want a LOT more than 12-16 weeks to train for a marathon off a base of 5k treadmill running.  12-16 weeks is the typical duration of a written marathon schedule, but would assume that you're starting from a reasonable base.  You could realistically look at entering a marathon in the Autumn and targetting some shorter races in the mean time (5k, 10k, 10 mile...) but even then I would start upping the mileage immediately.

Yep. And if you're keen on the Brighton marathon in particular, target it for next year. There's no rush.

i say go for it 

but like PhilPub said its going to be painful!

i did my first marathon last weekend and only ran 13 miles tops beforehand. im still standing AND still training for my next marathon in may

some say im stupid, others lucky but everyone recovers differently.

would be nice to see how you cope though

Don't do it!  

The Marathon is a distance that needs to be respected, and even the 'get you round' 16 week marathon plans recommend that you start from a weekly mileage of around 15 miles.

I would agree with PhilPub that you need a lot more training, and realistically, a good running base of over a year before you start a marathon training plan.  I would say you can definitely do a decent 10k attempt in 8weeks off the base you have, and that you should use shorter term goals like this, with a view to entering Brighton next year, and making sure you build up a decent base level of RUNNING fitness over the course of this year.

Good Luck!

For half marathons:

this may be too soon: http://www.eastlondonmarathon.com/

I would target this if I were you:

http://www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/

OR get a charity place for one of these:

http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

http://royalparkshalf.com/

I actually did cougie. not fast by anyones standards at 5:06 

i actually managed to run the wrong way (it was a trail marathon after all) and total mileage was 26.9.

maybe the off road bit helped, but i didnt hit this wall that everyone goes on about and just ploughed through mile by mile 

And how many miles a week are you running Jason .... I happen to know its more than 6... (2x5km on the treadmill)....

Wow, what a great response, thank you everyone for being so helpful! I think I will look into doing a half, and perhaps start training now?

Damn you angela 

thats a good point i did overlook that a bit!

maybe DONT atttempt a marathon victoria 

it gets lonely at the back of a marathon, Victoria. You'll have a better time if you can be nearer the middle with people to talk to, and not be overtaken by a 70 year old wearing a rhino costume.