Simon Willison’s Weblog

What should be considered when deciding to do a marathon?

3rd December 2013

My answer to What should be considered when deciding to do a marathon? on Quora

Running a marathon is easier then you think.

First, get to a point where you can run 5K. Couch to 5K is a popular program for this. Barring major health issues, anyone can get to that point.

Next, do 10K. After a few times running a 5K this shouldn’t be too big a stretch.

Guess what: a marathon is 42km. You’re nearly a quarter of the way there!

Now, sign up for a half marathon. That’s only two 10Ks back to back. If you’ve been running 10K once a week you should be able to do this without much trouble.

The bad news is that a marathon is way more than just two half marathons... but it’s totally possible. Follow a well documented training scheme and you’ll make it. It will be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, but it’s absolutely possible to do it.

I managed a marathon after less than six months of training, starting from zero fitness. I trained 3-4 times a week: 2 short runs, a medium run and a long run on a Sunday.

Go for it!