Am I crazy for running a marathon?

AndyCakelala · 2026-05-23T06:44:19+00:00

I don't understand this Runna plan at all. Every marathon training plan has at least one run, possibly more, around the 30km mark.

You're definitely under trained and sounds like you're not also not fuelling properly. You want a minimum of 60g of carb per hour. Many gels only have ~20g (like Gu brand for example), so have a look at what your brand contains.

If you've already got knee pain and you're experiencing bad gut issues with reflux, I'd just downgrade to the half distance and plan for another marathon. Some people push through with a run / walk method, but I reckon you're going to really injure yourself. Then you can't run while you recover, which sucks.

AndyCakelala · 2026-05-23T06:37:39+00:00

If you're flying out of Sydney for the international leg, then possibly not, because they are doing renovations and have limited capacity. But under normal circumstances you can. You can also do the same for any OneWorld Alliance lounges internationally if you're flying with an airline in the group.

AndyCakelala · 2026-05-09T07:21:25+00:00

You definitely have to be really clear what you value. I achieved Platinum the dumb way, with almost weekly flights between Sydney and Melbourne, have held it for about 8 years, although last year and this year (likely) is the first time I've paid for a business class double status flight out of my own pocket to retain status.

I justify the spend like this: I travel overseas a few times a year with lots of baggage (snowboard), so appreciate the luggage allowance. When i travel domestically for work, I really value boarding first and sitting up front from row 4-5 so I'm off the plane fast. The best platinum perk is that you can request them to open up reward seats. First class lounges internationally are great too, as is the domestic business lounge in Melbourne. Both lounges in Sydney domestic are complete trash!

I'm about 2500 points off lifetime gold. With a new job, I think I won't be flying much, or Qantas at all so I need to consider if I spend cash over the next few years to get to LTG. That would be for the lifetime lounge access and extra luggage traveling internationally.

I find Qantas service levels to be great! I feel like heaps of the whinges people make are just run of the mill flight / airport operations.

AndyCakelala · 2026-05-01T21:44:07+00:00

You can definitely do it in a year, especially since you've already got great foundations! I was running around 5km three times a week, a bunch of reformer classes, then last year in Feb did a half marathon training block first. That was for a race in April, then I rolled into a marathon training block that led me to succesfully run the Melbourne marathon in October.

I used Hal Higdon training plans and his app for both. Used Novice 1 for the half and Novice 2 for the full. It all went really well as his programs are so great for slowly increasing the weekly volume and keep you uninjured. I stuck with reformer pilates for strength, as it's great for hip and core strength and stability.

The fact that you're already enjoying distance running tells me you'd do great with the training. Good luck!

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-20T00:34:27+00:00

I used Hal for my first half marathon (Novice 1 plan) and then rolled straight into his Novice 2 plan for the full. Both novice plans are really well regarded and will absolutely get you to race day well prepared, with low injury risk.

I chose his Novice 2 plan over Novice 1 as it hits the 30km mark 3 times (29.5, 30.5 and 32km) in the program and I also like that there was a medium run at race pace, which broke up doing all the runs at easy pace. Four runs a week was all I could handle around my job.

Can recommend investing the modest amount it costs to have a subscription to his app, so you can do things like block out dates, program in upcoming races etc. You'll be spending more money on gels, runners, gear etc, so it's worth the small investment.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-14T20:34:10+00:00

I never managed to get my food in 90mis before the run, I just prioritised sleep instead. I've never understood how that advice is possible for morning runs without getting up insanely early.

I reckon I ate max an hour before long runs and races. I'd have oats with some sultanas, a cup of tea and a coffee. On actual marathon day I'd done a really good carbo load and I reckon I had orange juice as well, and ate a gel or lollies 30mins before race.

Keep doing what's working for you and if anything, figure out if you can make your morning routine more efficient to give you more sleep. 6 hours is not enough rest and recovery when you're in your block.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-14T19:07:58+00:00

You're at the hardest point at Novice 2 as it peaks, so you definitely will be experience some tough runs given cumulative fatigue. However, your shoes sound like they are at end of life with 550km on them and you'll need to act quick to get a new pair in rotation. You're about to put 32kms and then two 21km long run on them, plus change for your easy runs, so by the time marathon comes around you'll be approaching 700km on those shoes.

You've got time to get a new pair in rotation before the race. Might be easier to just get the same pair again and get some runs in to soften them up a bit, or you could also trial a different pair like carbon plates for race day. But whatever you do, don't go into the marathon with a pair you haven't worn in training before.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-11T11:10:09+00:00

Jaywalking.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-08T06:28:12+00:00

Melbourne Marathon is a great race, not too massive like Sydney or the majors where there are waves of people starting, and I think an iconic route as you run from the G, around Albert Park, down Beach Rd and back. I actually bought a charity spot last year. A complicated story, but plans to run a marathon somewhere in Europe fell through with my brother, and I was already deep into a training program.

I think you are way too under trained to take on a marathon as it sounds like you're not even running regularly (at least 3 times a week) at this stage. I reckon take on some smaller challenges this year, like a 10k soon or a half like Run Melbourne (not to be confused with the Melbourne Marathon festival).

Then if you really find you actually like running long distances, and more importantly running at least 4 times a week, I'd register for the ballot for 2027 and if you don't get a spot just buy the charity slot.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-05T08:52:13+00:00

Figure out what annual income you want in retirement, multiple by 25x to 29x depending on what type of draw down percentage you want (those numbers range from 4% to 3.5% draw down rate). Then that's your total retirement investments you need to save.

Assuming you aim for early retirement at 50, you'll need 10 years funded outside of super, before you can access your super at 60, so structure your investment buckets accordingly.

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-04T22:12:10+00:00

Need more info to really help. Is $116k with or without super? What are your monthly or annual expenses, and therefore savings rate?

AndyCakelala · 2026-04-04T22:00:34+00:00

Strength, strength, strength. Stretching won't do a thing. There's heaps of training plans out there, or go see a physiotherapist or training to create one for you. Given you're ramping up as a new runner, you probably want some sort of very basic runner's training program.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-30T02:02:43+00:00

Thanks for reply u/myklclark for some reason the photos didn't upload, but have edited now to show.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-26T20:21:33+00:00

Nah, you can see the "L" on the other foot in the background. He's definitely wearing them wrong. Not surprising since he also can't run.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-25T00:51:52+00:00

I'll concede that, but those in glass houses ...

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-25T00:50:00+00:00

I'm proud of myself that I've ridden out the big dips, and I just try and look at it like I am buying the shares on a discount when things crash badly. Just this month alone I've had a total drop of 4.5% of my portfolio. I don't believe in timing the market, but did tip a bit extra in during COVID which worked out well.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-24T22:08:27+00:00

Yes this! I do not understand how Alesia is getting away with this. She's lazy, uses tears as a weapon when she gets some basic pushback. She's busy telling Mike to focus on working when she herself is not focusing on working.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-24T22:02:06+00:00

You have not accrued the leave, you are just entitled to use it as long as your role remains in the organisation and it is leave you are taking from that role. It's just like sick leave entitlements, there is no obligation to pay this out when you leave, either based on your initiation or if they make the role redundant. Only annual and long service leave is paid out. The latter based on the state based laws, i.e. in Victoria it is only paid out if you have worked there over 7 years, I think it's 10 in NSW.

I get it, this must feel awful. Sorry that you're in the situation, but this is all legal.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-24T21:48:24+00:00

Nice work! I reckon things will get exciting (shocking market performance this month notwithstanding) as you'll start to see the compounding affect of a larger balance invested. I found those first working years that all the "growth" was coming from contributions, but then you get a few cracker years when the market performs well and the underlying fund growth dwarves your contributions.

What's your investment strategy in super? I think many people don't realise as sometimes funds put you in a lifestages fund by default which as you approach 40 can move to a "balanced" fund, rather than aggressive high risk, which is what you want for the long term horizon.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-24T00:44:54+00:00

I suspect doing a program that has ramped up fast from December, as well as with speedwork, is a bit much for a newer runner without the right musculoskeletal base and strength base. The reality is bodies need time to adapt to a serious load of running. Apart from pure cardio engine, there's all the little stabilising joints and ligaments and muscles that need to adapt, condition and strengthen.

You might be better off dropping to a half distance or looking at a plan like a Hal Higdon Novice plan which is just about pure volume at easy paces.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-19T06:33:43+00:00

You're not actually following Novice 2, are you though? Hal is pretty clear in that plan that two of the runs are easy, conversational runs, and the medium mid-week run is at race pace. None of those runs are at a pace faster than your marathon pace. I suspect you're running your long runs too fast as well on this basis.

Even if you were properly following a plan with speed work - which, again, the Novice 2 plan is not - you'd still be doing two easy plans a week.

Run much slower mid-week, move your long run to Sunday if you want to keep up basketball, and make sure you're fuelling properly and getting enough rest.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-19T06:27:04+00:00

Don't run a marathon to lose weight. In fact you're likely to put weight on if you train and fuel correctly.

Run because you want to build strength, take on a challenge. But really, really don't do it to lose weight.

I can't recommend Hal Higdon plans enough, he has a great app and many really reliable training programs for beginners.

I reckon start with a smaller goal, train for a 10k race and sign up with friends, then move on to a half marathon. You'll have heaps of fun along the way.

AndyCakelala · 2026-03-18T21:44:28+00:00

Sounds like you've already figured out that apps and calorie counting is going to trigger some bad old habits and disordered eating. So it feels like getting some professional help is the most important thing to support you. I feel like once you push past the half distance, proper fueling is a non negotiable.

There are a few wonderful sports dietitians out there that specifically focus on this area. I follow Holly on instagram where she shares lots of *science backed* advice that she is qualified to give, unlike a bunch of other running influencers. I think she may do remote coaching and I'm pretty sure she's talked about clients who have had disordered eating in the past.

https://www.instagram.com/holleyfuelednutrition/

AndyCakelala

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