mkroyer - Thanks! I've almost been running for eight months. I actually wrote my own training plan and had someone look over it. I've been doing 14-mile runs since August, and my base mileage has been at 40 miles/week for over a month. 15-mile long runs and 40 miles/week is a good place for me to start my marathon training, as it's not much of a step up from where I already am. I am a beginner, but I won't step down my mileage, and the build up is not much of a build up at all. I'm a fairly educated runner (thanks to tons of library books and an uncle who used to win ultras), too, but I appreciate your experience and concern. If my training starts to feel difficult, I'll step down things.

does your plan have built in step bakc weeks? and what paces are you running for your mile repeats, LA Threshold runs and tempo run

What does your weekely mileage peak at, an what week? How many 20+ runs are you doing? Ar eyou incorporating LA Threshold runs (these will make or break your marathon experience)

who??? kickbacks? wut???

Anyhoot...I just ran my all time longest distance...4.7 miles...Woot! My goal is to run 5 miles 4 times/week. Yeahhhh!!! Stoked!

Yep, I have step back weeks. I get my training paces from McMillan's Running Calculator. I'll peak at 55 miles before my three-week taper. I'll have two or three 55-mile weeks. Do you think a 22-miler is too much for a first timer? That's the one thing I'm still debating. Thanks again for caring.

Great job, Joyful! Can you believe you're almost up to five miles already? It's awesome, isn't it?

Edited to Add: Yea, each week I do a tempo run, speed work (usually hills this training cycle because of the race I'm doing), and a long run. Here's my week:
M - off
T - hills (or mile repeats)
W - easy
H - tempo
F - off
S - race pace
U - long

Cincimom - Thanks. Did you say 55 MILE WEEKS????? (passes out...) Wow...that's unthinkable for me...I believe it is I who owes you a big CONGRATS!

GO FOR IT!!!!

Haha. Yeah I felt the same way at first. I subscribed to Runner's World and have caught onto a lot of the lingo from that (if you care to know it). I really like Marc Parent, who writes their beginner column. You can read most articles online for free. I just subscribe because I like to have it handy in my purse for downtime (and it was only like $12/year).

Wow..6 5k's will be incredible. Will it be every other month? If so, that's an awesome way to stay fit all year...had never thought of it like that before.

Thank you so much for all the props. I ran again today--2.5 miles and then, rode my mountain bike 5 miles. My neighborhood has hills so I am actually sore tonight going even as far as I did. I am running again in the morning too.

Cold weather is going to be coming in but I absolutely 100% will train right on through this cold spell. It is just cold. I can deal!!!

Hey..have you ever used a product called Mole skin atop blisters. It really helps me. Basically it a 2nd adhesive skin you apply directly to wounded area. You may want to try it.

Thanks for the props on the plan. I can commit to several hours of training weekly. At the moment, I am doing 1 hour a day total--combined running, cycling and floor exercises...could easily step that up to 2 a days if need be....which is probably LIKELY at this point.

Ran my first full mile straight today, and I didn't even colapse at the end! I was really nervous that I wouldn't make it because I had a bad run yesterday that gave me some serious doubts. But it went really well and I felt good at the end!

ETA- I would just like to note that 9 days ago I had serious doubts that I'd be able to run a mile before the end of the month.

Thighs - Yes. It is one every other month. I figure that will give me time to get ready between. It also spreads them out throughout the year. I did 1.5 on Thursday, but feeling sick so nothing yesterday. I am determined To get a good workout in today!

A sad attempt at a long run today - 7 miles. I usually shoot for 8-10, but man I just wasn't feelin it today. That put me at 17 miles this week which is a little lower than I like, I prefer 20-25, but I kinda felt like I needed a little break. I guess it's better to have a slacker week then burn out and quit altogether. So I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about it.

I skipped a workout today - my knee was sore and I'm not going to push it when it hurts (heaven help me if I have to have a second surgery because I didn't rehab the first time properly). Tomorrow I plan on doing a walk/jog outside for a half hour, as the weather is supposed to be near-perfect for running (mid 50's, no wind) - and I need to get outside one more time before my job gets really crazy and I'll be lucky to get out once a week (my workouts will all be in the gym or pool).

Edited to add - I renewed my Runner's World subscription and the February issue has an interesting article on the contestants on "The Biggest Loser" and why they make them run when they're so heavy...

I did my 4km run today but was careful, black ice everywhere. I sure don't want to be hobbling around with a popped knee.

I'd use the treadmill but my 2 dogs need to run too.

My son/wife bought me a nike running counter to keep track of my distance and timing. It makes me want to run further.

Ran 2 miles today without stopping..my 9 year old went along with me on the bike..cold weather is coming tonight..VERY cold but I am determined to run again tomorrow...my run felt really good today..I remember now why I fell in love with it

jules..tell us about what the article said