Posts: 870
2/4/13 6:49 P

Lots to consider, you got a lot of great advice. In my case, I just knew I was ready, and I picked a race based on location, route, time of year, etc.

The training is very time consuming, but honestly very worthwhile! It's quite an accomplishment, whether it's 'one and done' or you go on to run more full marathons in the future. I'm leaning pretty heavily toward tackling another one next fall, it's a hard habit to break!

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2/4/13 4:13 P

I did a full marathon in 2000. It was hard mainly because I was alone. I found a teenager to chat with the last 7 or 8 miles, but I would never do it alone again. I took a break while having kids and then I did several HMs with friends and it was so much better. This year a group of us are planning to do the Marine Corps Marathon and I will definitely stay with my friends. I'm sure plenty of people can do it alone, but for me, having a little support goes a long way.

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2/4/13 2:56 P

Remember - finishing last beats not finishing.

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2/4/13 2:41 P

I am so glad so many people have done this and are thinking about doing it!

So far I am thinking of a small Full in illinois, my only worry is that it will be so small I will be last to finish! Not sure I want to navigate the insanity of getting to the chicago full. Lots to think about as I shovel all this snow.

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2/4/13 12:19 P

I have been contemplating the full as well; worried a little about training commitment, but would never attempt without the proper training. Thank you everyone for your advice.

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2/3/13 9:04 P

I just started running Dec 17 2012, I could run 1/4 mile before funkin'. Yesterday I ran 4 miles.
I was settled for a 5k race, but my goal is a half by June. I love this !!!!!!!

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2/3/13 6:19 P

I am also contemplating moving from half to full distance; thanks everyone for sharing their ideas. This was very helpful!

~Ashleigh

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1/31/13 8:39 P

hey! I am also setting a goal of my first full being in 2013. I have done 7 hm's and I'm registered for 3 this spring. I am shooting for a fall FULL. I am thinking Chicago b/c it is flat.

I got advice after writing a blog about deciding between "flat/fast or longer time limit with some hills" that made a lot of sense. Pick a race that is similar to the area in which you will train for your first.

Good luck! Happy Training!

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1/31/13 4:42 P

If you are mentally ready and commited to it, the full distance is fun! Is it hard? Yes! I was dying at the end of my first full! But crossing the finish line is a feeling like no other! You learn a lot about yourself and your limits, and with time and training, you can adjust your goals to make it a pleasurable experience.

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1/26/13 4:01 A

I've done 3 HM last year and my first full in Oct with a 4th HM in October. I remember asking myself around mile 22 if I'd want to do this again and I thought maybe. Sure enough I'm signing up for another one in May and hopefully a 50k in July. I found marathon training a lot more time consuming even though I was doing a 3 day a week plan. Also I had to work with a physio to ensure I got there after some bursitis. It is definitely worth it even if you only do it once. Find a training plan that works for you and start early on finding a nutrition plan that works for you. Good luck if you decide to take the plunge!

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1/25/13 6:56 P

I ran my first full last June, not sure if I will do another or stick with the half distance. I do believe the full took a bigger toll on my body (lots of IT band stuff afterwards, but probably because I didn't recover long enough before I started running again). I learned a lot and will train very differently if I do another full, that's for sure. I was thrilled with my time and over all it was a great experience, but ya, after mile 20 I was promising myself never again LOL! Then I crossed the finish line, and it was all worth it.

For now I have a 10K lined up for May (live in Colorado, have never done the Bolder Boulder, this is the year!), a half in July....then either a half or full in October.

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1/17/13 5:16 P

I have completed one HM almost a decade ago. I am currently training for my second which will be on March 3rd. I'm thinking of trying for a full marathon in May but I'm not sure...It's something that's been on my goal list for a long time and I want to complete at least one but it seems a little daunting. Good luck to all with your goals!

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1/17/13 7:13 A

I have 2 HMs under my belt, but the full, just one time, is always on my mind. I have 2 halfs planned for this season already. The training commitment is the huge factor for me. I want to train the right way, be fully prepared, but with 3 year old twins at home, it's difficult.

Good luck in whatever you decide. If you find a training program you love, let me know.

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1/16/13 11:32 P

I have done two full marathons.

I am a marathoner and you can't take that away from me.

But ....

I get incredibly B.O.R.E.D. around mile 16. Marathon is not my distance. I can do a half every week. But fulls? They are a whole different beast.

And that is my best advice. A full marathon is not just more of the same. It is someting entirely different.

I am not trying to wave you off. Go for it if you can. But be ready for something completely different.

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1/16/13 9:56 P

Im doing my 2nd full this year. my first full was last year, after running 7 HMs over the past couple years. I still prefer the HM, but my first full went so well that I wonder if i could better. I trained but not too hard, so this year I'm really going to focus on training. Best of luck to all of you in your training this year :)

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1/16/13 4:17 P

I've done 1M and 13 HMs. Based on those figures, it should be obvious which I enjoy more. I am thinking about doing a marathon this year but it will be a trail marathon. I am so over running 26 miles on pavement.

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1/16/13 3:04 P

I did my first full last Oct. after completing 7 HMs. The first half was awesome - by mile 20 I was over it. I said I would never do another.....well, 3 months later I am thinking maybe I will do another full in 2014.
I still prefer the HM distance. Running a marathon takes lots of time for long runs. That was the biggest downside for me - the training. BUT I wouldn't trade the training for anything.
So, would I do another - quite possibly but for now I am sticking with HMs.
Best wishes on whatever you decide!

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1/16/13 2:37 P

I have done an even dozen HM and have 2 more planned for this April. I think I am totally insane, but have verbally committed to doing a full in Tulsa in November. I haven't had the courage to actually register yet. The price goes up March 31, so I have given myself until then to reconsider. Don't know why I want to do this to myself.

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1/16/13 2:36 P

I've done 6 HMs with number 7 scheduled for March and will complete my first full marathon in April. It's kind of a scary yet exhilarating jump. I never really formally trained for the half but going for the full pretty much requires some sort of formal training plan.

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1/16/13 1:53 P

So I have done 4 HM and really enjoy them. However this year I am thinking of trying out a full marathon for the first time. It is a daunting idea to say the least.

I am just looking for comments, advice, training tips, stories, whatever from people who have made the jump to the full. I think that the HM will always be "my race" but I feel a full is something I have to try.

So who has done a full? Anyone else thinking of trying one this year?