72 replies to this topic

[taueret]

hi, I think this is my first post here, although I read a lot, so hello!

I would like to run a marathon in 2012, and Canberra looks like it's far enough away in time for me to get ready; and it will hopefully be nice and cool?  

Recently I have read a few articles elsewhere and threads in which slow or new marathoners have been blamed for ruining events- I don't want to ruin an event!  I'm not training for a marathon because it's on my "bucket list", I'm doing it because I want to become a better and better runner... and it's a goal to work towards.  I hope it will be the first of many.  Anyway- what's the feeling here, would it be ok for someone (moi) to choose Canberra as a first marathon?  I will be doing some 10 k and half marathons closer to home in the months between.  Is the fact that I would be ecstatically happy to finish in under 5 hours something that will enrage people?  I don't want to enrage people!

I am an isolated novice so I really have no idea except "running running just keep running" (and the many books I'm reading).  Thanks for any responses and your patience :-).

[halfwaydown]

Canberra is a great run for a first time marathon.
Train wisely, test yourself with some long runs in the process.
Plenty of marathon training plans freely available online - chose one as  a basic structure will help.
Go for it.

[taueret]

halfwaydown, on 01 November 2011 - 02:43 PM, said:

Canberra is a great run for a first time marathon.
Train wisely, test yourself with some long runs in the process.
Plenty of marathon training plans freely available online - chose one as  a basic structure will help.
Go for it.

thank you!  I started working through the plan in the "non-runner's marathon book" but am switching to the level 1 marathon plan in "Run faster from the 5k to the marathon" by Brad Hudson- because I want to run a marathon, not just finish one!  I hope this plan is ok, it looks tough but I like it!

[runningdeb]

I'm hoping it will be my first marathon too.

I haven't read the threads you are talking about irt novices 'ruining' events.  But my feeling is that everyone whose ever run a marathon had to run a first somewhere.  Just because runners get better, they shouldn't diminish the efforts or opportunities of beginners.

Many, many people finished in more than 5hrs in 2011.  I hope you find the Canberra running community to be as fabulous as I do.

Good luck with your training

[taueret]

runningdeb, on 01 November 2011 - 02:47 PM, said:

I'm hoping it will be my first marathon too.

I haven't read the threads you are talking about irt novices 'ruining' events.  But my feeling is that everyone whose ever run a marathon had to run a first somewhere.  Just because runners get better, they shouldn't diminish the efforts or opportunities of beginners.

Many, many people finished in more than 5hrs in 2011.  I hope you find the Canberra running community to be as fabulous as I do.

Good luck with your training

not so much threads here (althought I do recall one where people were grumbling about fun runners spoiling a local half-marathon by cluttering up the place)
- it was more the articles I turned up last night when I realised that as my current pace, I would take SEVEN HOURS to run a marathon.  That's all running.  I googled "7 hour marathon" and came up with LOTS of controversy over the issue.  I never thought about it before- why would anyone care about me running BEHIND them?  But apparently some do!  Anyway I needed some validation :-).  Good luck to us!

[Eagle]

Some marathon has to be your first. Canberra is as good as lot. It is small enough to feel personal but not too large so you feel lost.

A five hour finish is fine. That will not enrage people although I am not sure where that comes from. By far the majority of runners do not judge another runner by the time they run but rather encourage each other for doing the distance. There is respect for doing the distance - time is and should be a important but nit signifcant element of 'competing'.

You need to find a program that suits your lifestyle and circumstances. Train regualarly and increase the distance slowly. Be patient with teh progress so as to avoid and injury that will require time off.

Do not think about speed - just concentrate on running nice and steady and as far as the profream says. Do not rush it and you will be as fit as you can for the start. What that means as regards time - well it will result in you finishing in the best possible time because you have trained as best you can.

To complete a marathon is a wonderful experience but what is more important is to give it the respect it needs and dedicate yourself happily to months of training. That can be lonely and at times frustrating but that is charcter building - preparing you for what you will need on the day.

[taueret]

Eagle, on 01 November 2011 - 03:09 PM, said:

Some marathon has to be your first. ...

To complete a marathon is a wonderful experience but what is more important is to give it the respect it needs and dedicate yourself happily to months of training. That can be lonely and at times frustrating but that is charcter building - preparing you for what you will need on the day.

Thanks!  I'm excited about the training.  I know I shouldn't need permission to compete (even typing the c word makes me cringe a little!) but now I feel like I have it!

[Paul Every]

I think you will find most marathoners, (or regular runners of any persuasion), quite welcoming towards newbies, whatever pace they may run.

Canberra is a good choice for debut marathon. Usually good running weather, largish field without being or too chaotic or intimidating.

I'm not sure of the cut-off times regarding road closures. You may wish to check that out on the race website.

[tejjyid]

I ran my first marathon in Canberra this year, it's a good course, the only real hill comes when you still have lots of adrenalin. I don't know your circumstances, but 7 hours will probably be longer than Canberra will wait. If you can manage ti train 70 km per week, you can (averagely) target 5 hours. It is difficult for organisers to keep volunteer labour around for a whole day - I would guess that was the main source of any angst on the subject. good luck..

[taueret]

Thanks.  I am hoping that if I work hard between now and then I can speed up.  I am quite new to running so my little legs don't seem to go any faster than they are currently going, but I am sure (I hope) that several months of work will address that.  I really want to finish before the course closes.  My new goal is to get there in under 5 hours- not just get there.  I'm excited!

[theturtle]

For what it's worth:

I ran my first marathon this year, based on this...you have plenty of time to get prepared to finish Canberra.  I used the 16 week beginners program from the Gold Coast Marathon, availlable on their website, and it did the trick, I got over the line around 4.30 ish...but who cares, I finished...!  It was a magnificent feeling that has me hooked. I have done another since then.

There is a difference between finishing and racing. My suggestion would be to have a goal "to finish" and be diligent in following a program and following a good lifestyle. There is an amazing weath of information on this site and some of the best people you can ever listen to and then meet.

I have had nothing but encouragement in my 2 marathons from other runners, even the really fast ones.  I want to pass onto you the encouragement I got...

I am sure you will be capable of achieving far more than you ever thought...just like many of us.

Best wishes.

PS: I will be running in Canberra too!

[BlueZed]

taueret, on 01 November 2011 - 03:21 PM, said:

I really want to finish before the course closes.  My new goal is to get there in under 5 hours- not just get there.  I'm excited!

The Australian Running Festival (Canberra Marathon et al) website has recently been updated and entries will open in mid November.   This is what I found regarding course closure:

At 10:00am runners who have not reached the 28km mark will be diverted off the road and on to an alternative bike course to complete the marathon. Race organisers reserve the right to declare the race over at 1:30pm (6.5 hours after the start).

Under 5 hours is a great goal for a first marathon.  I did my first in 4:55:45!  

Completely dismiss the worry about spoiling the race for others if you are a bit slower.  The only thing I can think that might annoy others is if you lined up at the front of the pack and started slowly.

The only 'negatives' to making Canberra your first is that it might not have the atmosphere that the Gold Coast has (the crowd support just wont be the same) and the course involves a couple of laps of the same road (which I think is going to be a bit boring).   Oh ... and the medal was a bit ordinary last year.  

Don't worry about speed in your training ... just get used to going for hours!  

All the best!!

Edited by BlueZed, 01 November 2011 - 07:16 PM.

[THE KEG]

The Canberra Marathon is a great first marathon to do ( Although It wasn't my first. Have run it in 1978,2007,2008. Keep up the training and enjoy your running.
You never know-if retirement is good for my running may even see you there....

[taueret]

big thanks to all who took the time to reply with such encouraging words.  I love these forums!

[HarryHighpants]

Loved my first marathon in Canberra. Small field, nice undulating course and very friendly running community. I hope to be back again in 2012 after missing this years race. Enjoy your preparation for your first 42.2! It will a great reward for those hot summer long runs you will need to get under your belt in Jan and Feb. Have fun.

[Whippet gal]

I agree with all the above.

Canberra's great for the speedy and the not-so-speedy, and I think it'd be a good one for a first-timer.

Great supporters, cool weather and a good course always make for a good weekend.

Good luck Taueret! Train well, try to do a couple of half marathons in the lead up, don't get too nervous and remember you'll find an answer to most of your questions here on Coolrunning.

[Horrie]

Canberra is a great marathon to run as your first. There are a couple of out and backs so plenty of chances to see other runners. The alternate course for the slower runners is another bonus. They can re-open the roads and you get to run along bike paths with plenty of shade. Good luck with your training.

[redrosespider]

Hi Taueret

Great work on dedicating yourself to your 1st full marathon for a start! It's a big decision and not one the majority of the poplulation make...so, no matter what your time is, you are better off than the ones not doing it

I too am thinking about Canberra as my 1st full marathon, tossing up between Canberra and Williamstown (Melb) in May.  I have a friend living in Canberra and she wants to do her 1st half, so, thinking maybe Canberra it will be.

And great to hear so much positive thoughts on here about Canberra as well

[MsYurtle]

Hi Taueret,

Good on you for making the decision to run your first marathon! How exciting
I too am giving some thought to entering the Canberra 2012 marathon...This would be my first attempt at the Marathon distance and I havent told anyone I am considering it yet as I am almost too scared to admit it aloud!

I am a Canberra local and have run several half-marathons here, including the one as part of this event in 2011. I remember thinking " thank goodness I am only running the half" at about the 16km mark as we turned for home and the marathoners kept on going (Hoping this feeling would be lessened by appropriate training for the bigger distance and lack of headcold which was gripping me during the run this year)

I do alot of my running around that area and it is a lovely place to run, pretty flat overall and some nice landmarks and scenery to distract you enough to enjoy the experience a little more. It is not a huge event in terms of participants or spectators, (weather dependant!), but big enough to get the vibe of an exciting event!

Best of luck with all your training and hope to see you there (full or half for me TBA).

Edited by MsYurtle, 02 November 2011 - 10:16 AM.

[BlueZed]

MsYurtle, on 02 November 2011 - 10:11 AM, said:

I remember thinking " thank goodness I am only running the half" at about the 16km mark as we turned for home and the marathoners kept on going (Hoping this feeling would be lessened by appropriate training for the bigger distance and lack of headcold which was gripping me during the run this year)

Ha!   I thought exactly the same thing when the marshall was calling out: "Half marathon turn here ... marathon keep going straight".  

If you are entered in the marathon you won't get the same feeling at that point.  It is the same effect I have experienced when I did a 29k run and felt better passing 27k where the Sunday before I found 27k difficult.  The brain sort of rations out the energy expectation for the distance you know you are running on the day.  Mark Fitzgerald describes this mechanisim in his book "Brain Training for Runners" but I cannot recall what it is called; begins with 'tele'.

Do the full MsYurtle!  

[MsYurtle]

BlueZed, on 02 November 2011 - 11:15 AM, said:

Ha!   I thought exactly the same thing when the marshall was calling out: "Half marathon turn here ... marathon keep going straight".  

If you are entered in the marathon you won't get the same feeling at that point.  It is the same effect I have experienced when I did a 29k run and felt better passing 27k where the Sunday before I found 27k difficult.  The brain sort of rations out the energy expectation for the distance you know you are running on the day.  Mark Fitzgerald describes this mechanisim in his book "Brain Training for Runners" but I cannot recall what it is called; begins with 'tele'.

Do the full MsYurtle!  

Thanks for the encouragement BlueZed.  I must admit my real thoughts at the turning point during the half were a little more colourful than my previously quoted "thank goodness.."     BUT I take on board your comments about the positive impact training will have on my belief in being able to make the distance.  Jury is still out on which event I will sign up for at the moment but the voice which keeps saying " enter the marathon, enter the marathon" just keeps getting louder... Just needs to get loud enough that it can no longer be ignored huh?

Sorry for the temporary hijacking of your post Taueret, over to you!

Edited by MsYurtle, 02 November 2011 - 03:29 PM.

[taueret]

MsYurtle, on 02 November 2011 - 03:27 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement BlueZed.  I must admit my real thoughts at the turning point during the half were a little more colourful than my previously quoted "thank goodness.."     BUT I take on board your comments about the positive impact training will have on my belief in being able to make the distance.  Jury is still out on which event I will sign up for at the moment but the voice which keeps saying " enter the marathon, enter the marathon" just keeps getting louder... Just needs to get loud enough that it can no longer be ignored huh?

Sorry for the temporary hijacking of your post Taueret, over to you!

  gosh no I am just thrilled to be in a conversation about running!!  I love hearing your thoughts as I am in the same place, it seems (tho more of a n00b I am sure!)

[BlueZed]

BlueZed, on 02 November 2011 - 11:15 AM, said:

Mark Fitzgerald describes this mechanisim in his book "Brain Training for Runners" but I cannot recall what it is called; begins with 'tele'.

TELEOANTICIPATION!

"Running pace, however, is truly controlled by a type of subconscious brain calculation called teleoanticipation.  When you start a race or other maximum-effort run, your brain calculates the maximum pace you can sustain over the planned running distance based on certain measures of your fitness level, past experience, the air temperature, and other factors, and helps to guide you towards the appropriate pace by producing feelings of comfort and discomfort."
Brain Training for Runners - Matt Fitzgerald pg 4

I like to think it explains why my morning 10k runs are never 'a breeze'.  

taueret, on 02 November 2011 - 03:36 PM, said:

gosh no I am just thrilled to be in a conversation about running!!  

Three great things: running, talking about running, reading about running.  

[taueret]

BlueZed, on 02 November 2011 - 05:31 PM, said:

TELEOANTICIPATION!

"Running pace, however, is truly controlled by a type of subconscious brain calculation called teleoanticipation.  When you start a race or other maximum-effort run, your brain calculates the maximum pace you can sustain over the planned running distance based on certain measures of your fitness level, past experience, the air temperature, and other factors, and helps to guide you towards the appropriate pace by producing feelings of comfort and discomfort."
Brain Training for Runners - Matt Fitzgerald pg 4

I like to think it explains why my morning 10k runs are never 'a breeze'.  


Three great things: running, talking about running, reading about running.  

Ok I'm going to have to see if Amazon have that ^^ as a Kindle title- I am dying to learn whether that's evidence-based or woo.  
Speaking of reading, what besides these forums do you guys like to read, running and related?

[Whippet gal]

BlueZed, on 02 November 2011 - 05:31 PM, said:

TELEOANTICIPATION!

"Running pace, however, is truly controlled by a type of subconscious brain calculation called teleoanticipation.  When you start a race or other maximum-effort run, your brain calculates the maximum pace you can sustain over the planned running distance based on certain measures of your fitness level, past experience, the air temperature, and other factors, and helps to guide you towards the appropriate pace by producing feelings of comfort and discomfort."
Brain Training for Runners - Matt Fitzgerald pg 4

Ahhh, but then there's the problem of knowing when to tell your subconscious brain to shut the hell up so you can really test your limits. (But yes, sometimes it turns out the brain was correct and you should have listened!).  

[Eagle]

Whippet gal, on 02 November 2011 - 10:33 PM, said:

Ahhh, but then there's the problem of knowing when to tell your subconscious brain to shut the hell up so you can really test your limits. (But yes, sometimes it turns out the brain was correct and you should have listened!).  

Its a theory I have know about for a long while. I think it is relevant to know it exits and then do what Whippet says and then try to have some positive input to what you are doing while running instead of the kind of automatic response this theory suggests. A good topic for another thread. I do believe the theory has some relevance because it may set the pace at 'comfort level' and if you want to go quicker you have to accept you will be out of your comfort zone.

As Whippet says that might work sometimes and sometimes your fitness is not up to the sustained running beyond the comfort zone and the slow down happens. At other times your fitness level holds and you have a great run.

[RunnerGal]

This is my first posting, longtime reader and follower but finally tempted to respond.  Canberra was my second ever marathon, the course was great the atmosphere although it rained the entire run was fantastic. The course was undulating but perfect for picking up pace on the downhill when pace slowed.  What I loved was not that the roads were full of spectators as they werent due to the rain however the spirit and encouragement from all runners was fantastic.  I had someone call out my number with encouragement.  I got a PB in canberra and to my surprise placed top 20 of women.

What I have learned from running in the 4 years is it's not about the time you get at the finish it is about what you take out of it.  It won't always be your best time but circumstances and situations may make it your best run ever. I say go for it and enjoy it.  Put in your long runs and you will start knowing that no matter what you will finish, your finishers medal will be your gold medal no matter what your time is.

[BlueZed]

Whippet gal, on 02 November 2011 - 10:33 PM, said:

Ahhh, but then there's the problem of knowing when to tell your subconscious brain to shut the hell up so you can really test your limits. (But yes, sometimes it turns out the brain was correct and you should have listened!).  

I have a feeling it might work better the other way around.  Using self hypnosis, positive affirmations, mantras etc I want my subconsious to 'know' that I am good at this and I can achieve the goal I have set.  It is the weak, evil conscious brain that tries to derail me with thoughts like: "Just do 10k today ... noone will know ... it is just too hot today".

Back to Canberra Marathon.  I have tried to enter online but it requires me to select a charity for fundraising.  Will this be a requirement for entry this year?

[BlueZed]

RunnerGal, on 03 November 2011 - 11:08 AM, said:

What I have learned from running in the 4 years is it's not about the time you get at the finish it is about what you take out of it.

Yes!  

[BlueZed]

MsYurtle, on 02 November 2011 - 10:11 AM, said:

I too am giving some thought to entering the Canberra 2012 marathon...This would be my first attempt at the Marathon distance and I havent told anyone I am considering it yet as I am almost too scared to admit it aloud!

Sign up for the marathon now and tell EVERYONE!   It is amazing what a public declaration will do for your resolve and commitment.   I have signed up ... Bib A59!

[taueret]

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a half marathon or two between now and canberra?  I am in nsw but could go somewhere else I suppose.  Already planning to do a fun run 10km later this month but I don't see much else on the web between now and april 2012.  Thanks in advance!

[SpecBGT]

taueret, on 03 November 2011 - 09:54 PM, said:

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a half marathon or two between now and canberra?  I am in nsw but could go somewhere else I suppose.  Already planning to do a fun run 10km later this month but I don't see much else on the web between now and april 2012.  Thanks in advance!

Central Coast (The Entrance) on 27 Nov and Capital Summer Fest (Canberra) 28 Jan

[taueret]

SpecBGT, on 04 November 2011 - 06:22 AM, said:

Central Coast (The Entrance) on 27 Nov and Capital Summer Fest (Canberra) 28 Jan

thank you!  I am already entered in the Central Coast one but didn't know about the other Canberra one.

[SpecBGT]

http://res.au.eventd...ACT/SITES/1717/ for the details on the HM as part of the Capital Summer Festival.

[KiwiShazza]

taueret, on 03 November 2011 - 09:54 PM, said:

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a half marathon or two between now and canberra?  I am in nsw but could go somewhere else I suppose.  Already planning to do a fun run 10km later this month but I don't see much else on the web between now and april 2012.  Thanks in advance!

Have you checked out SMC (Sydney Marathon Clinic)?  The monthly runs are specifically to build up for a marathon.  They are 21km for the first few months and then go to 25km & 30km and back to 21km.

I am a very slow runner and always will be (think I missed out on the fast twitch muscles when God was handing them out) but have never had anything but huge encouragement from all the other runners wherever I have run.

[Eagle]

KiwiShazza, on 04 November 2011 - 12:36 PM, said:

Have you checked out SMC (Sydney Marathon Clinic)?  The monthly runs are specifically to build up for a marathon.  They are 21km for the first few months and then go to 25km & 30km and back to 21km.

I am a very slow runner and always will be (think I missed out on the fast twitch muscles when God was handing them out) but have never had anything but huge encouragement from all the other runners wherever I have run.

Not just any marathon but the Series is for the marathoners directed at the Canberra marathon. The sequencing of the increase in long runs is aimed at peaking for Canberra. We also focus on the M7 in July.

[Barefoot]

Eagle, on 01 November 2011 - 03:09 PM, said:

To complete a marathon is a wonderful experience but what is more important is to give it the respect it needs and dedicate yourself happily to months of training.

Very wise words Eagle. I have read many motivational books for both work and running, but your few words capture the mystique of the Marathon.

For those running the first Marathon in Canberra 2012, may it be the start of not just happily training for months, but for years. Canberra is a special Marathon, the atmosphere of the day will last with you for awhile and you will be keen to get back again the following year. The crowd support is very good, but the out and back multiple course means you can see family and friends a few times as well, plus encouragement from the other runners.

For first time runners try and stay a minimum 2 nights, Saturday to prepare, then Sunday to celebrate. Then on Monday, before leaving Canberra, go back to the start line, not filled with thousands of runners and spectators, but just you, remembering 2012 and dreaming of 2013.

[Kentox]

Ran this years Canberra marathon. It was my first and I became quite emotional towards the end. I could hear them playing The Doors Light My Fire at the finish line and that perked me up and I tried to give it all I got.

Great memories of my 1st. Even in the rain there were still people cheering from the highway overpasses, road sides etc. Autumn leaves around parliament house as you go into the 2nd loop of the run out to Black Mountain.

I just ran to finish ,no time in mind. Every runner was really nice and had nothing but encouragement for my slow self as they went by.

I really hope you take the plunge. It's a great experience and you do become hooked. Did 2 more this year and I'm signed on for Hobart in January 2012. So I guess when the marathon bug bites it bites hard:)

Note to self to not jump in a car for a 2hr drive back to Sth Highlands straight after the marathon. Cramping and walking funny around petrol stations is unfun.

I'm bib# 00067 for Canberra 2012

[taueret]

Thanks for the tips on the smc-  I hope I can get there sometimes (little kids).  All the stories and encourafing words have got me so keen!

[RAZORAMMO]

This will be my first official Half Marathon - BIB #00008
Any time under 3 hours would be excellent for me.

[redrosespider]

You guys have definitely got me keen to run Canberra as my 1st full

Unlike BlueZed's advice, I think I will just quietly plod along with my training and do it undercover from my running friends! lol

You see, I said out loud and registered for this year's Melb Marathon then got an injury and missed the marathon I then had to explain to everyone why I wasn't running and that was depressing!

So, as to not jinx myself with another injury (which I am still recovering from!) I think I will train in secret, lol

Looking forward to hearing how training for this event goes for you all and looking forward to sharing the experience of what will hopefully be my 1st full marathon

[BlueZed]

   Glad you told us RRS.

[TCMB]

I'm interested in this one for number two.

[redrosespider]

BlueZed, on 07 November 2011 - 07:00 PM, said:

   Glad you told us RRS.

Yeah, I need to have some form of support, and where else better to get it than from the experts hey

[MsYurtle]

BlueZed, on 03 November 2011 - 06:36 PM, said:

Sign up for the marathon now and tell EVERYONE!   It is amazing what a public declaration will do for your resolve and commitment.   I have signed up ... Bib A59!

BlueZed- your enthusiasm is really something!! Also somewhat reassurring as I am guessing if Canberra Marathon had been an awful course and experience for you then you may be less encouraging.  I am still tossing up between the half and full distances, rest assured the ultra does not figure into my decision process at all
A bit lost, despite much reading and research!  I am certainly in no danger of being fast but would like to do it well for me, whatever that is! Thinking of maybe commencing training and seeing how the body holds together, how training fits into everyday family life etc and then making the call on distance?
Sounds like a cop out doesnt it?

[BlueZed]

MsYurtle ... thank you for your comment about my enthusiasm; that was nice.     My passions often become obsessions and like Forest Gump ... "I just like running".  

I only ran the half marathon in Canberra last year but the small part of the course I missed is flat; no problem.   If Sydney this year had been my first marathon I believe I would never have done another; the heat and Pyrmont was just awful.   If I was to rate courses for best '1st marathons' it would be Gold Coast, Melbourne and Canberra; purely on spectator support.

Still a while to decide on your event and no it is not a cop out.  This is our sport/hobby/past-time and we do it for fun.  The motivation has to come from within and whatever goal you achieve ... it is YOUR goal.  Enjoy your training!!  


BTW ... yesterday I registered for the 2012 Berlin Marathons ... in-line skating AND running.  

[MsYurtle]

BlueZed, on 08 November 2011 - 11:35 AM, said:

BTW ... yesterday I registered for the 2012 Berlin Marathons ... in-line skating AND running.  

Okay, I just HAD to google the inline skating marathon    that is fabulous!!! Skates are something I suspect I may be wishing I had around 30k mark......oh no, wait, just remembered I am an even worse skater than runner

[DatMan]

Just signed up for the 2012 Canberra Marathon. It will only be my 2nd marathon - Gold Coast in 2011 was my first.

Did the half last year in Canberra and I think it will be a pretty good course for a marathon newbie.  I recall seeing lots of "Cool Runners" - now I am one of them!

[richardegg]

I am entering the 2012 canberra marathon; it will also be my first marathon. I have done 4 C2S's, and a half. half (syndey morning herald, may 2010) was done in 2hr 6m 40s. Last half I did as a training run took 1hr 58m 15s. I recently did a 10.15k route in about 5:02 pace. Main issue would be getting the blubber off; I am currently 87kg on a 177cm frame, and its not muscle.....aiming for 70-71kg by the time uni goes back at start of march, a week after which I will be doing a half marathon.

[Hashiru]

Ran Canberra this year as my first marathon. The fact it rained before the start and then continued for most of the distance put me off a bit a first psychologically having always trained in good weather, but I ended up with a much better time than I expected due to the cool weather and rain keeping me from overheating I've read complaints about the expo/post-race area not being much and it's true it's nothing like Sydney etc, but it really didn't bother me at all. Had a great time and loved crossing that line. I'd recommend it for a first timer for sure.