has anyone done a full marathon?

And if so did you use a structured program to start? I am just starting out jogging and I plan on doing the Nike Women's marathon next October in SF...I am going to start running tomorrow and could use any tips or pointers! Thanks!

I am running my 1st marathon in 11 days.

I started running 2 years ago with the couch to 5k program.  I HIGHLY recommend it to start.

Good luck on your marathon!!! Thanks for the tip Sue, I have seen an app on my phone for that program and will download it!

Thanks!

Also, I recommend running OUTSIDE as much as you can.  Treadmills are great, but not the same as running outside, and since your goal is a marathon, you should train outside when you can.

I also recommend shorter events throughout the year to keep you motivated and to have fun!  Holiday 5Ks are a blast with people running in santa costumes and there's no pressure to RUN the whole thing if you aren't ready, plenty of people walk.

Most importantly, have fun!

Lots of us on here have ran marathons and even a few ultras.
Congratulations on setting your goals high!
Start out slow and easy and get your base built up and then find a program that you can stick with and do it.

Good luck!!

what they said, couch to 5K is a great way to get you started, after you master that you can start looking into structured marathon training plans.  best of luck and post here often, we would love to hear about your progress.

Congrats on your upcoming training.

Like many have said, the c25k program is great.
Many of the structured running plans for marathons assusme that you can already run 3-5 miles, so the c25k program is a great place to start.

Good luck with your training and next years Marathon.

Scott

Take your time and really ease into it. If you feel an injury comming better to rest for a bit than try to run through it. I have advocated for a while waiting a bit after surgery to start distance running. I think that you are in a great place to begin this journey.

Get involved with a running club soon and sign up for some events (5k, 10k, 10 milers) to keep you motivated.  Find a partner to run with you. Keeps you accountable.

 You're working with about the same time frame that I did when I started running. I didn't do Couch to 5K, but I've heard good things about it. I just started with a commitment to run 4-5 days a week and slowly ramp up the distance until I was averaging about 3 miles per run. That'll give you time to build stamina and muscle and bone strength for the actual marathon training.  Then about 20 weeks before the marathon, pick a training schedule that will work best for you. There are a lot of them!  I'm doing the Hal Higdon Novice Marathon program. I'm at week 4 of 18, and it's going pretty well.  I'm doing the Rock & Roll Arizona marathon on January 15.

Best tip: get good shoes and a good sports bra!  :)