I was wondering if anybody here has trained for a marathon and actually ran one. I am looking to start training and I need some kind of a workout. I ran track and cross, so I am used to the workouts, even though they will probably be a lot harder.

I ran cross country back in the day. What worked well for me was ankle and wrist weights during training. I've never run a marathon, my longest race was a fifteen mile grudge match when I was in the service.
From what I understand, training for a marathon basically consists of running every day. The distance I have most commonly heard for the daily run is about 15 miles. The marathon itself is a massive effort, and you need to push your body beyond what anyone could do on a daily basis. It is a test of will as much as of physical conditioning.

Thanks Imagineer. I have never ran more than 15 miles, and a marathon is 11 more than what I ran. I have no idea if I can last long, that's why I am looking for a program to get me in shape for it. I found something online, and I will start on Monday. Here it is if anybody is interested:

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/novices.html

It is for novice runners.

Good luck on the marathon. I've never run that far either.

The closest I've come to doing a marathon was a university-sponsored 5K run.

Haha, that's not bad at all. What was your time though?

Drac my partner is a marathoner. He is currently training for one at the end of May. He has done three already and some half marathons. He just started doing long distance two years ago.

Until he trained I had no idea of what was involved. You have to actually eat during the run...that blew me away.

Anyway the thing he found most helpful was to join a group specifically training for the event. There is a whole scientific approach and they will teach you how to train your body so that you do not injure yourself. Plus you will do your training once a week as a group and they will give you lots of support. Marathoning is a whole different mentality. ;) I myself do not like pain so I think you guys are all nuts. :D

Yesterday he did 36 kilometres...now he will begin to slow down so that by the end of May he will be rested. But slowing down still means running huge distances per week.

If you have any specific questions I will ask him...no problem.

Thanks Sal. I don't know about running one yet. I have spoken to my track coach and he said I am too young to be running a marathon. So for now I guess I am only training. The eating duinrg the race part surprized me too. I had no idea your body can only take running for about 20 miles.
Fat and glucose are the main exercise fuels. As you may have suspected - our bodies have an almost unending supply of fat to burn. Glucose is rather limited. The brain, muscles and nervous system all use these sugars from digested or stored carbohydrates. Levels of glucose in the blood fluctuate with food, exercise and stress. When you haven't eaten for a while blood glucose levels fall zapping your energy, concentration and mood. Low blood sugar is no fun anyway, but during a long run its hell."
I started the program about a week ago and it's not so bad. I am eating and running good which I am happy to say.
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Drac, it sounds like it is in your heart to run, so run you will.

Marathoning takes a real toll on the body so I am not surpirsed that there is an age considered too young.

Don't worry though, once you start you can run well into your 80's.

Enjoy!!!