signed up for my first marathon

yeah, i may be stretching this one a bit, but i'm just stupid enough to do it ...  i signed up for the ING Atlanta Marathon on March 21st!  So, i've got some work to do.  Anybody know of a good (free) training program for marathons? 

Congrats!! No idea's on programs as I haven't trained for one before. Just wanted to send my best wishes for your new goal!

i hope to be "stupid enough" to try this one day. i think i will def get to a half. even if walking

you know, i like walking. i lose weight. gotta walk fast, but its good i may just be a "walker"

although i know i will jog, too. its just feeling natural. but, i can proabably walk a half marathon at decent speed soon enough. with proper training. i know i can go six miles, at least. right now

Bill,

With your performance in your first half, I have no doubts that you'll be ready for a March marathon.  Hal Higdon has a nice 4-day running plan for first time marathoners.  www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm.

I liked his plan because the super long runs weren't back to back to give the body extra recovery time.  The final build weeks are 16, 12, 18, 14, 20.

Be sure to keep up your stretches to prevent that IT band from flaring up again as you build your mileage.

Enjoy the anticipation!

Cassie