1st time Marathoner - training advice

First off... I cannot believe I just called myself a marathoner - OMG... I have come a long way in 19 months, baby! Highest weight 286lbs, currently 141lbs. 5' 8".

Secondly... some background. I ran in high school (20 years ago) and played sports (softball and volleyball). I have bad knees - had surgery on the left about 4 years ago and still haven't fully recovered (mobility is awesome, but strength is greatly lacking) - from running those years back with CRAPPY gear. You are in high school and don't think about it - until it's too late.

3 - my official training starts on 10/4 - will be assigned a pace group and run/walk ration. Just so you know I am using the run/walk method so I know this will help a lot re: the knee situation and from an endurance standpoint, in addition to staying hydrated and fueled.

4 - any additional supplements/vitamins and/or minerals I should be adding to my routine?

5 - I can tolerate around 13g sugar in protein bars, yogart, etc. Less fat sensitive than sugar sensitive. Need to be careful....

I have been fitted for running shoes - all set there.
I have the socks, panties, sports bra and running clothes in speciality fabrics to minimize moisture, chaffing and blisters, etc.
I have a "fanny pack" for water bottle and munchies, etc.

any advise for a 1st timer?

anything is appreciated.

I'd keep a running log and be mindful of what you eat and drink.  It will help you know what will work and what won't.  Find out what kind of water they offer at the marathon you are running and use it in at least some training runs.  Any marathon that has poland spring is out for me so I need to know that ahead of time or make other arrangements.  My onle advice is to do in the race what you have done in your training runs.  Don't change things up last minute.  

You will have more questions as your training progresses.  Keep in touch and ask away 

The only other thing I can think of right off the bat is to PLEASE watch your iron - especially being a woman.  Runners tend to lose it through the feet.  My iron is low right now and I can tell a big difference in my long runs.  I'm working on it, but haven't gotten quite there yet.

You will already have a training group and plan, so follow it the best you can.  If you have to miss a workout, try not to make it a long run. 

Like Scott said, you'll have more questions once you get going.  There are several of us here who are currently training for marathons and have completed them already.  I know I do things VERY differently than anyone else on this board, but that's okay.  We all do what works for us.

Linn

 Thanks for the helpful hint. I take a ton of iron. I take 2 vitronC a day. Maybe I will increase to 3 (if it doesn't plug me up). I had 4 periods just after surgery and deplieted my stored iron. I am totally back on track and have been, but iron is a very important thing to me. Thanks for the insight.

Hi Linn,

I have never heard this about loosing iron through your feet when you run. Have any more information or links?

Thanks,

pan head

Pan head,

I'm sure Linn can give you more info, but here's a link for reference: pfitzinger.com/labreports/iron.shtml.  Foot strike hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells when the foot hits the ground. It is one of the factors that can lead to low iron.

Cassie