Marathons for the Average Runner

Through personal experience I know that the average runner with average health and fitness(in the legs and joints- not systemic health) can start from minimal movement and run a marathon in 9-12 months.
Now you won't go to the Olympics but you can toe the starting line and finish with fun.
This allows for 2 months to get started and be able to run ( better run/walk) 2-4 miles. At this point the athlete is ready to slowly start adding miles and milestones to the training.
Now we add distance and time to the training. Build distance up to the 13-15 mile mark over he next 4 months.
During this phase the athlete can and should run some 5k and 10k races. This will serve several purposes. A) have fun with a group of runners B) Learn how to run in a crowd and settle down and relax durng a race C) Learn pacing D) meet people and make friends to run with.
From this point on alternating weeks you add 1-2 miles to the long run or add 20-30 minutes to the long run. Ultimately you will run 20-22 miles and be on your feet for 4- 4.5 hours.

The first marathon will be an accomplishment and challenge but you will cherish the experience and the fitness gained during it.

Marathons for the Average Runner
As I run and walk every day I see all kinds o f people out on the road and many not.
Why are so many of the runners out every day little people? I don't mean petite but where are all the big men and women?
As a Clydesdale runner in a nuber of races I truly see and feel the beneifts of regualr or even daily endurance exercise. As I talk with other large people I have learned that many are scared of the pain of starting to run.
Others use the excuse of old injuries or arthritis as excuses to sit and watch TV . Many of these people could get out and do an easy walk as well as others can go for a run.
HOW DO WE GET BIGGER PEOPLE OUT RUNNING?

How can wehelp bigger runners and walkers to gt out there?
More to follow. Thanks and happy running.