I used to be a swimmer until last year ... I was training for the San Jose Triathlon in 2007 and run during my lunch hour (I was only able to run 6 miles up to 2007 summer time). One of my coworker encourage me to try out running - I started training in July 2007, and since then I have done 3 full marathon (Silicon Valley Marathon 2007, Napa Marathon 2008, San Francisco Marathon 2008) and 2 half marathon (Rock and Roll San Jose 2007 and 2008). I got hooked on running now, I run more than I swim (about 40 miles per week). Part of the reason is I see improvement in my running and while I hit a plateau in my swimming. Another reason is I can talk with my friend during my long and outdoor run, this is something that I can not do while swimming. I encourage everyone out there to try it out - you just need about 16 weeks of training if you want to participate a marathon.

I ran Chicago last year--it was hot & kind of a disaster, but it was still fun. The crowd support is amazing. I'll be running my third marathon next month--the Atlanta marathon on Thanksgiving (there will be no guilt from overeating on Thanksgiving for me!). Marathons are hard because the training is intense. Half-marathons are a little more fun & relaxed, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a marathon. I also run them with my dad which is a good bonding experience.

What are you waiting for Fit? You should sign up for a spring marathon.

It's definitely a goal, one that I was training for until I messed up my ankle about three weeks ago...grrr.

"you just need about 16 weeks of training if you want to participate a marathon."

I kind of agree. I know there are a lot of Team in Training type programs that take you from couch to marathon in that amount of time, but I really encourage people to run a few years before trying something like a marathon. And do some shorter races first--build up to the marathon. 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons are all fun. If you develop a love for running, it's a lot easier to do a marathon training program. Going out and running 20 miles by yourself is hard enough when you love running.

I did a 5k last year so would like to do a 10k next, then a half marathon after that.

Running's bad for your knees. That's been my justification, Fatty McFat Fat here... I actually hope to try a bit of running (or rather, run and walk...) when I move to VA where I have a friend there who can be my work out buddy. It really helps to have a friend when doing something like this, which is so mentally challenging for those afraid of the intensity challenge running poses.

Hmm, my original comment didn't go through. Anyway, you don't have to run a marathon, you can walk one, too. I am training for my fourth half, which is in Houston in January. You don't have to be skinny to walk a half - I'm living proof. I hope to one day walk the entire 26.2!

Running isn't bad for your knees.

runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--12232-0,00.html

I don't think running and training for marathons are good for your body. I know people out there disagree, but when you're having to prevent loss of menstruation due to excessive training, and when training takes time away from other aspects of your life, it's not a good thing. Take a look at many marathoners: They look completely spent. They look fatigued, hungry, and in general not healthy. Personally, I think a half-marathon is the longest length for a healthy balance, and that's even a stretch for some people. Runners and walkers of every level of fitness should listen to their bodies as to what's best for each individual.

Peaches, I disagree.

If you lose your period and neglect other aspects of your life, then you are OVERTRAINING.

There is a balance between training too much and not training enough, and that's what we should strive for.

(unless you are training for an Ironman... in which case, that IS your life )

... and of COURSE you are fatigued at the end of a marathon -- you just RAN TWENTY SIX POINT TWO MILES! It's a wonderful feeling of exhuastion and elation -- that you can't understand if you haven't done it yourself.

Javs, so cool that you run with your dad -- what a great experience for you guys.

I've run three marathons (PR is 3:53:13) and my knees are fine, my legs are strong, my heart and lungs are in great condition, and overall, I think I'm very healthy

I'd like to accomplish something like this but in reality, I'm not a good runner. I don't think I'd ever be able to.

and yes, Fit, I agree! Sign up! Crossing that finish line to a cheering crowd is a feeling like no other!

I've actually run 2 and am about to run my 3rd on sunday in Denver! www.grinspiration.blogspot.com

I am not a runner...I wonder if they'll ever have an elliptical marathon! Haha!

runningesq - your PR is good. I hoped I can do that one day. It took me 4:50 for my very first marathon (Silicon Valley). I was exhausted at the end. I did a 4:29 for my recent one (San Francisco marathon) - but the SFM has a lot more hills, so definitely an improvement for mine. What I am happy about is my RNRSJ (Rock and Roll San Jose 1/2 marathon). It took me 2:05 for 2007 (after 12 weeks of training), and I did a 1:51 this year. I improve about 1 min per mile, so I am pretty happy about that.
javsmav - 16 weeks to train for a marathon - this is for someone who already have a "base" - certain kind of fitness level. I agree with you - it's not enough time for people who did not exercise at all. It took me 4 months to train for my first, but I was able to do a Olympic distance triathlon to begin with.
Fit - you should try to sign up one. You will have the motivation to train once you set a goal and sign up one.

I'm currently training for the LA Marathon on President's day! I look at the 26.2 miles, and it's a touch overwhelming. But I'm training with a team here at uni, and they have a set distance for each time we run. Today's 3 miles doesn't look like a lot, and I was ok with our 5 mile long run on Sunday, so those distances are less scary. I'm hoping it will kind of sneak up on me: 5 miles is less scary now, so the 6 coming up this Sunday won't be so bad and BOOM. Before you know it I'll be running in the marathon.

As for the health issue- I personally think it's better to train than be fat (before I started training for this I was the highest weight I had ever been. Still ok, but kinda pudgy). Yeah, the olympic marathoners might be kin dof an extreme, but I'm just looking to finish, even if I have to walk over the finishline (but I hope not).

Hmm... I would rather train than be unhealthy. I think that's a better way to put it. Not everyone who races half maras and maras is "not fat."

I'm a long distance runner (and swimmer). I've been on sports teams, and fitness exercised for the last 20 years. Each week, I log in several miles in running (including other excercises). Personally, I would never participate in a marathon. I think it's too much wear and tear on the body in one session. JMHO.

Not every marathoner looks sick, fatigued or hungry. They're not all stick-thin. That was one of the inspiring things I took away from my first marathon in January... the amazing variety of body types that are participating and they're all beautiful. It's so much more than the image of an endurance athlete as we're presented by the media.

Maybe one day. I ran a 5k last May and want to do that again but I've been having major heel/ankle pain. I'm hoping they'll heal soon so I can start running again. I felt the best when I was running, i miss it.

I went and cheered on my friend this year...but it's just not for me. Surprising, considering my love of working out. I just truly don't feel like I'm "built" for it.

I'm gearing up to do the NYC marathon in 2009 and I've done two half marathons so far. I think it requires some training but not enough that you're constantly fatigued. I don't run very fast but a lot of people in my workplace run the marathon and they aren't "insane" about their training. I get a nice feeling when I see people cheering me on so I can only imagine the marathon is going to be great.

lydialee, wtg on the 1:51 HM! FWIW, my first marathon time was 4:45 at Baltimore, then I ran a 4:02 at Marine Corps(JUST missed breaking four hours!), then a 3:53 at Richmond.

I'd like to qualify for Boston but I'm focusing on next year's Ironman right now -- although I am running the national marathon and home to go around a 3:55.

Glossy, I totally agree --- it's amazing to see the variety of shapes and sizes and ages of runners. 18 year olds, 25 yr olds, 50, 60, 80+ yr old runners. It's awesome.

Morenasobuena, good luck!! You are going to love the crowd support -- which is supposed to be AWESOME at ING NYC!

I just ran the Chicago Marathon this weekend, and it's a great experience! I recommend that anyone that's remotely interested in doing it go for it!

I completed a half-marathon in 2006, but I fell out of running after that. I am finally getting back into it, did a 5K earlier this month and I can't wait to work back up to another half and then a full!

I also completed my first half with my father, we ran in honor of my uncle who had just passed away from pancreatic cancer. I found that running for a cause (not being a natural runner) really helped motivate me and I plan on doing the full through the same organization to keep me on track.

I feel sick thinking about running for that long. I wouldn't do it.

I'm a month out from my third marathon, training and hoping to qualify for Boston. I agree with javsmav and runningesq, running is actually great for your health as long as you don't overdo it. And I would definitely get competent and comfortable with shorter distances (5ks, 10ks, and half marathons) before you make the jump to full marathons. You are asking a lot of your body, but if you eat right and ramp up gradually, you can do it. But no one has to do it, half marathons are still long enough to be a challenge and will get you in great shape.

I've been looking into doing a walking marathon

Here is some great information about marathons that cater to and/or are walker friendly:

http://www.marathonguide.com/news/exclusives/WalkerFriendlyMarathons.cfm

in general, I avoid physical activities in which the first person to undertake them DIED. Like that poor Greek messenger guy running back and forth. Who looked at the poor dead dude and then said to himself: 'I'd like to try that! I bet we could even make this an annual contest type of thing!'?

I do, however, love to cheer on the Chicago marathoners from the sidelines with my coffee and doughnuts in hand.

I ran my first half last year with a plan to build up to a full, but I hurt my knee (doing plyometric cross-training exercises, not running) about halfway through the training. I made the mistake of not resting it and continuing with my training, and it is still messed up.

Even with a painful knee, the race was so much fun, and this comes from someone who couldn't run a half mile at the beginning of training. I do miss running and wish I could do a full, but I don't see it in my future unless I find a way to fix my knee.

Way to go, all you marathoners!

IM RUNNING BOSTON IN 2009! YAY!!! can't wait.

running is my least favourite sport, though when i actually run i feel good afterwards. but when i'm biking/swimming/doing aerobics ect i feel good during and afterwards.

i don't get people who run marathones, especially after working with organising Run to the Beat in London (half marathon) two weeks ago and it was a disaster and it only gives a lot of grief to everyone except the runners. especially the residents of the areas that the event is taking place.

I've done a marathon before and have not been aching to do another one. A half maybe. But it needs to be a special reason to run a full one again.

I am jealous of anyone that can run a marathon. I am such a slow runner with crappy lungs that I might be too embarrassed to ever trying running with other people. I personally just don't think my body is built for something like running, but I wish it were.

before i broke my knee, my friends and i always talked about running and tried to get into the lottery and then i managed to hurt myself really badly and i couldn't run, and now my hopes of running that distance isn't likely anytime soon. for me right now, i work out and try to build strength and endurance but i don't see it happening for me that i'll run the marathon.