Question for our exercise gurus

Good morning Lightweights!

Feeling a little excited. Got in touch with the Luekemia foundation regarding Team in Training. There is a team affliated with the Cleveland Clinic, where I work. I am going to sign up for my first competition in May at the Rite Aid Cleveland marathon.

For my first time, would it better to do a half marathon or should I set my goals higher to complete the full marathon?

I have until May to train. The first meeting is January 19.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Maybe I'm not thinking big enough, but I would try the half marathon.  I think having been overweight for so long can make our joints susceptible to injury.  

I'm working with a woman who is 20 years younger, and never was overweight a day in her life.  She was training vigorously for a full marathon, and now has an injury that only allows her to jog 3 miles at a time.  Marathons are hard on your body.  Do the half first; if it goes well, start training for a full.

I'm a slow starter.
I would start with a 5K, then 10K then 1/2 marathon and then the marathon.  I could have never gone straight to the marathon.
Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your progress.
Linda

I agree that it is best to go with the half marathon.  If you don't work up slowly and build your strength, it's really hard on your joints.  Be sure to do weights with your quads and hamstrings and stretch every day!

Good Luck

I would go for the half marathon unless you already run quite a bit. Most running injuries come from ramping up too fast and while it's 6 months before the marathon, life has a tendency to happen and can put a crimp in your plans.

Like me getting a concussion one month before my marathon and two months before the Goofy Challenge and not being able to run for 6 weeks. Bah humbug!

Thanks!
I figured I might be just getting a little ahead of myself.