If so, what was the most difficult part of the experience?

Was it the training or the actual day of the run?

What were the biggest obstacles for you and what mantras did you use to keep yourself going?

Did you have a goal in mind *timewise* or just to get through it?

Thanks for any input, including anything else that may be helpful.

I haven't run a half marathon in many years, last time I did was in high school and I'm currently training for a 1/2 which is in March then possibly doing a full in Sept. I recall the training being most difficult and the anticipation before and on the day of. I think for folk new to running races their goal should be just to complete it, that's my main goal for this upcoming 1/2, but ideally I'm hoping to do it in around 1 hr 50 mins, but we will see what happens on the day. I can't recall what I was thinking so much back then, but I'm sure this upcoming race will be something like "Just keep running, there's a nice cold beer at the end!", seriously though.....probably "Don't quit, you'll be mad at yourself if you do!". I did a 10k fairly recently and I was nervous beforehand, even although I can actually run more....I just fret over everything and I aced the run that day and felt awesome after it. My period was quite heavy that day and I got it in to my head that I would leak so I was having bad anxiety about that, I didn't leak though and all was well- haha! I've read several inspirational stories online about people who were very much overweight dropping a lot of weight then training for and completing a marathon and I tell myself "If they can do it, so can I!".

20 kilos ago ... I ran three half-marathons ....

The first one I did was my best time and this was I think because I had no preconceived idea of what time I would do ... and I put pressure on myself to increase my time in the other two (something I didn't accomplish)

The weather played its part in the other two .... very windy for one .... and sleety snow for the other .... but I didn't enjoy them as much .... in both of these if someone had offered me a lift I think I may just have taken it ...

I thought at the end of all three I couldn't have made another stride so can't imagine doing double the distance

I enjoyed following a programme .... and liked the sense of accomplishment in gradually increasing the distance on the long run ...

I said never again .... but writing this makes me think maybe I will do a few more .... although I might start with a 10k ......

I've completed 5 marathons and countless 20Ks (almost half-marathons). I enjoy distance running - especially rural terrain like along trails in forests and along a lake or seashore. To me it's a good time for some solitude and problem solving, plus the "runner's high" is great. I usually carry an IPOD with oldies (60s music) or some new age meditative music.

My 2nd and 3rd marathon I had a time goal - the others I just ran to finish comfortably and enjoy the route. To answer your other questions:

The most difficult parts of the experience -

1. A feeling of burnout during the last 6 weeks of training prior to the marathon. After months of steady enthusiastic training I always seem to go through a 1 or 2-week period where I don't really want to do it anymore. Sometimes its due to illness or injury, but mostly it's a feeling of not caring, blah, I'm sick of doing this, don't want to do it etc. It eventually passes.

2. The beginning of Race Day is always difficult for me because I feel like I'm not going to finish. I have a twinge of pain somewhere; my knee, my hip, and I feel too tired - always some nagging doubt. Then you get to the race and line up at the porta-potties and see everyone else is in the same boat. The most important thing to remember at the beginning is DON'T START TOO FAST. That is the biggest mistake people make in distance races - they feel good and fast at the beginning and think they can go faster. They will be sorry at the end.

My last 2 marathons were the Marine Corps Marathon and they have a lot of enthusiastic people there to help you along. They have pace groups, jugglers, bands, and lots of cheering people along most of the route. There were people handing out beer in Crystal City, I ran by the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and I don't know how many other historical monuments. I remember a guy standing on the 20-mile bridge dressed up as the Grim Reaper holding a sigh"The End is Near". Only 6 miles to go. Then you finish at the Iwo Jima Monument the the Marine gives you your medal. The race was awesome. The worst part was standing in the long metro lines after the race, trying to get home.

If you run a distance race like a marathon, you need to enjoy the journey and scenery along the way. If all you care about is getting to the end, you probably should stick to shorter distances. Just IMHO.

Thank you very much for the responses.

I congratulate you all. Long distance running is not for the weak of heart or spirit.

I have run 5 and 10ks. I am beginning to move to the process of training for a half marathon and eventually a full marathon this Dec.

At times I feel like I am crazy for attempting it and at other times I am exhilirated and overjoyed.

I believe that my body can overcome the physical part of the running. Now I have to get my brain to fall in line.

Congrats on moving up in your distance running! How exciting! You are definitely not crazy - there are many of us out there

I have run at least 7 or 8 half marathons, a couple of 20Ks, a 25K and countless shorter races. I am signed up for my very first trail ultra marathon (50K) this spring!

Running has become a part of who I am. I no longer see it as something that I have to do, but something that I want to do. Of course there are always going to be bad runs and bad days, but I really do it enjoy it for the most part.

The actual day of your race should be a celebration! It is what you have trained for...what all those miles have been for...HAVE FUN! Don't have a time goal for your first half marathon or marathon - just enjoy the atmosphere and smile for the cameras. I had an absolute blast during my first half marathon. I think I grinned the whole time. There will be plenty of other races for time goals, etc.

I am a regular over at the Runner's World forums. Come visit us at the Beginner's forum - you'll find lots of support and advice over there for your first half.

I've done one marathon and 3 half marathons. I'm training for my next half right now.
I really enjoy the half marathon distance.
It is definitely a journey--especially the marathon. You have to enjoy training for them just as much as running the actually race. All the training gave me a great way to release my stress and just think and talk in my own head! I enjoyed the chance to be with myself. I did run with a training group for my marathon and I am so thankful I did. It was great having a group to connect with and run with when the miles got over 10.

Obstacles wise--I think making the time. I had to run after work during the week so that meant dinner got pushed off until 7pm. Then on Saturdays I would disappear for half the day. I really glad my husband was so supportive.
But I love running and I was willing to give that time.

It's so fun to talk to people during a race too. I would run into running buddies during the half or whole. Then I talked to some random guy during my whole and we helped each other run the last 6 miles.

I didn't have a time goal in mind for my marathon--I had a general idea but mostly it was just finish. Same with my halfs. And I enjoy race days. They are just so full of excitement. Just get in the port-a-potty line right away so you have time to go!

The most difficult part?? Gosh I don't know. My half was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I guess the hardest part was having bad runs and the unexpected. Could I run 5 miles? Could I run 6 miles? Could I possible run 13.2???? It was also hard trying to lose weight while training for it because of the nutrition I required along the way. But I was close the end of my journey anyway so it wasn't that important to me at the time. I guess I don't have much advice other than go for it!

I just saw this post and wanted to reply. I ran a full marathon 3 years ago when I was 19. I had a couple of friends that I ran cross country with in high school and we decided that we would do it together.

The most difficult part of the experience was definetly the training. I had so many times where I was out with friends or on vacation and I had to make sure to plan times where I could get out and go for my run that day. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but it totally payed off!

The thing that kept me going was the I signed up for the race 6 months in advance- this gave me a goal to strive for and I knew that since I was signed up that I was obligated to do it. The other thing that kept me going during the race was the adrenaline of running my first marathon, and also my friends. I definetly recommend running it with someone you know and/or getting to know the people who run about the same pace as you so you can talk during the race. My friends and I ran the race at more of a leisurely pace (11ish minutes per mile) and we had no time goals in mind- only to finish!

Good luck, dont be afraid of the challenges you could face, just go for it! Completing the marathon was one of my greatest life accomplishments and I'm actually thinking about training for a another one to do later this year!

Hi -- I've done 3 full marathons and 15+ half's (and more assorted shorter races). For me, the most difficult part is the training, especially when you get to the longer runs -- it gets harder to go farther and farther. What helps me is running with a group with similar goals. We encourage each other and keep company during those long runs. The other key thing for me is my training plan; I know what I need to do to be on track. Then I just have to go and execute the plan!!

The races are the payoff -- they are awesomely great fun, and the event experience is what keeps me coming back for more. The important thing is to go out and just have fun with it. You want to do do your best, sure, but it's not all about the time -- it's about being healthy, enjoying life, and being the best "you" that you can be.

A half marathon is a very accessible distance, and with consistent training over time, you can absolutely do it!! A full marathon is a significantly bigger challenge, so my advice is to complete the half and see how you feel. One step at a time ....