Hi,
I'm currently considering a marathon, however dont know where to start.
I'm a 17 year old male, and weigh about 13 stone. I also have type 1 diabetes.
I was wondering what kind of level you should be at to start a marathon schedule like:
http://www.mensfitness.co.uk/front_webs ... ning_plan/
I exercise cardio around 3/4 times a week and have been for around 4 months (although i slacked over christmas)
Sadly im not good at pacing myself, and can only run about 6 miles before getting out of breath, so what should i be doing to improve that?
it is usually something like me doing 4 miles 2/3 times a week and usually 6.5 miles once a week, yet dont seem to be improving that much. My times are also pretty slow, although i havent timed myself it takes me around 10 mins to do a mile (working out that it takes me over an hour to do my longer run)
I dont care about the time i do a marathon in, id just love to complete one :P
Also, would hoping to do one this year be too hopeful?

Thanks for any replies :)

Congrats on wanting to run a marathon! you can totally do one this year!

The program you are looking at is way to advanced. In fact, i wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It has you running way to many long runs and way to long of distances. I have run 5 marathons and never go over 20 miles as my longest run. I also train/run just 4 days per week.

You want to gradually build your long runs. Add one or two miles per week to your current longest run. For example, right now 6 miles is your best, so next week try and run 7. Doesn't matter if you go slow, just get in the miles. Plan on at least 16 weeks to build up to the longest run of 20 miles.

If you are consistent with your weekly runs, you will get better and breath stronger. Plan to run at least 4 days per week with one of those runs being your longer runs. And, once per week try intervals. With intervals, you run 1 minute hard, jog 1 minute and repeat this 8-10 more times. THis will help improve pace.

You can totally run and finish a marathon. Just give yourself plenty of time to prepare and be consistent with your runs.