I originally planned on doing the 4 month training, but I really would like to attempt the Austin marathon in mid-Feb. I've been running 5 miles/day with 10 mile runs on the weekend with 1 or 2 days off for a few weeks now. Last Sunday I ran 18 and was sore, but generally felt ok. I am going to attempt 18 again this weekend, and I'll still have 3 weeks before the marathon (February 14th). Luckily I feel fine, no shin splints, and no aches or pains of any kind. Do you think I have what it takes to run the Marathon after only 6 weeks of serious training, or is this a recipe for disaster? I know this is generally a bad idea, but I just want to see if anyone else on here has attempted something like this. Thanks in advance!

Looks like other people are posting some stats - here are mine:

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 158 lbs
Age: 25
Gender: Male

Also, I've been running for a long time, albeit shorter distances. I also ran a half marathon about 8 months ago.

I thought it'd also be useful to mention my goals. I'd like to run under 4:30 but really I'd just be happy finishing in any time. Thanks again!

There are no shortcuts to training for a marathon. Obviously the more miles you put in the better you will run, and possibly less likely to be in pain.

First, I would not run 18 miles again this weekend. Your jump from 10 to 18 miles was too much and doing that again is just asking for injury. Even building up to mileage slowly, I do not run long runs back to back weekends. Maybe run 12 -14 this weedend and then start your your taper. Actually the last long run is 3 weeks from the race in many training plans. You will not gain any fitness in the final three weeks so it more important to go in rested.

It's good to have goals. Generally it is recommended to have three goals. One - the slowest that would make you content, two - the ultimate fastest that would make you super happy and third - one in the middle. Base the goal on an online running calculator like mcmillian. Plug in a recent race time for a shorter race. Add at least, probably more based on you mileage, 10 to 20 minutes to the estimated marathon as these tend to give optimistic times.

You can finish the race, just be prepared for a tough final 10k. Remember do not go out too fast.

Good luck