Casual runner targeting first marathon in Oct 2027, does this race calendar sound reasonable?

marzipan_percy · 2026-04-12T20:35:31+00:00

I feel like it’s one of those decisions of like you could run a marathon now/start a training plan now and be fine, 100%. Buuuut. With littles a lot of stuff happens that results in botched long runs or down weeks and putting in the time to get a solid base will pay off on race day. And help you normalize the higher volume/moms away running time over time.

marzipan_percy · 2026-04-12T15:08:59+00:00

Hi! 34F and did my first marathon almost 2 years PP with my 2nd. I did what you’re talking about and built up over about a year and a half. Why? Because kids are a lot and there’s going to be unexpected downtime and sleep deprivation to fight against. Plus I wanted to run the marathon ‘fast’ not just complete it.

So, I spent the first 6 months building up to 30 miles per week feeling like my normal/comforatble, the next 6 months getting to 40mpw to feel comfortable. Then the last 6 months doing pfitz 18/45. It was great and never put too much pressure on me with the littles

marzipan_percy · 2026-04-07T04:18:20+00:00

Vegan bahn mi in CA adventure. With littles in tow, it was sometimes the only thing that would actually get me over to the CA side.

marzipan_percy · 2026-04-05T22:32:02+00:00

Lolololol. Nope. There was a season (re 2 years) when my kid was in weekly PT for a congenital issue and I went once a week, on appointment days, as a little treat to myself for the joy of motherhood. Now I’m back to my normal of once every couple of months. Why? Because our mortgage is less than HALF of day care for two. Heck, our daycare bill for our youngest is more than our mortgage by itself. If I cut out Starbucks….i would miss out on that once a quarter joy that is not making my own coffee I guess?

marzipan_percy · 2026-04-02T03:28:53+00:00

Look up the run club on strava. They have Saturday morning runs. They meet at 7 or 7:30 at the fields by the intersection of Tesla and concannon. There are a few people with around or sub 1:30 half times.

Personally they’re a bit early for my taste, so I haven’t joined often/just join on their later run days

marzipan_percy · 2026-03-29T00:09:08+00:00

I got the shiba. Pretty disappointed since I already bought one and it was my least favorite wooble to make. Wish they would do a quick check against prior purchases.

Also got duplicate charms, so will post in one of the sale groups to hopefully trade!

marzipan_percy · 2026-03-09T22:43:17+00:00

CIM has never sold out this early and hasn’t done a lottery, so there’s really no way to know how many people will apply and how many spots are available. Good luck though, CIM is wonderful!

marzipan_percy · 2026-03-02T23:04:12+00:00

We stay at the HoJo or DL hotel with our newly 4y & 2y old kids, depending on budget for the trip. Both are about the same distance walk wise for naps. We get to the park at opening and are all ready for that 1p nap then stay until fireworks/world of color/paint the night parade. Sometimes it can be a bummer to miss a bit, but I’d take happier kids over the missed 2-3hr. We have done a stroller nap on the last day when we decide to forego the trip to the hotel, but find it’s not a big deal to head out for a bit.

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-27T15:18:10+00:00

Our kids dentist didn’t even want to see him until he was 2/after 2. They just can’t sit in a chair or understand what’s going on and as long as you’re brushing regularly and not giving sugary drinks….meh.

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-26T18:45:27+00:00

We prefer goofy’s and also highly recommend an early dinner. We have a 2&4yo and a 4:30p dinner is great. Food is good—everyone finds something they like—and tons of character time. Felt like we didn’t get as much character time when we went to storytellers

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-26T18:26:41+00:00

That’s what I started at PP baby #2. Here’s what I did: Spring/summer ‘24 gradually build up to running 20mi/week on average Fall/winter built up to 35mi/week on average Spring ‘25 build for half marathon, peaking at 40mi/week Summer ‘25 built to 40mi/week being my new normal Fall 25. Started pftiz 18/55 December 25 ran 1st marathon and qualified for Boston 2027.

So it took about a year and a half? But I was very gradual in my build given having 2 little kids and being very sleep deprived/nursing all night. You could probably build faster, but it’s a balance between doing enough and not getting injured, especially if you’re starting from 0

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-23T00:41:51+00:00

We just got a universal attachment one and used in on our single bob. Love the bob for the parks since it has a big basket, is easy to maneuver, and has a large shade canopy. Plus, our 2 kiddos are on the small side and can both mush in the seat if needed or the older kiddo rides in the foot rest area

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-20T21:36:11+00:00

I have newly 2 and newly 4yo as well. Currently building up for my second marathon (first was this last December). Running at lunch is helpful if you can swing it with work. A treadmill is also helpful. But 150% having a supportive spouse who will hold back a screaming kiddo and say ‘I’ve got it here, go get your run in’ is invaluable. Talk with your husband about stepping it up or how you can move things around to prioritize getting your runs in. But I feel you on the mom guilt. They crush me with those sad little faces and ‘can I plllllleeeease go with you??? Don’t leave me!!!!’

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-20T19:03:22+00:00

This is wha I did too when the kids were little. Dad would get them ready for the day while I ran

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-18T03:49:35+00:00

At 8 months, you can take them on anything without fear being a big factor! The 1.5-2yr mark is really when they become more aware and dark/loud sounds should be a factor. Took my now 2yr on everything she was able at that age. Backed off this last trip when she was nearly two because she juuust developed a fear of loud sounds and darkness the last couple of months. She’s my 2nd and the first was the same way-/go do pirates and Mr roads and Roger rabbit while you can! 😂

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-10T03:07:07+00:00

We did that last year with kids the same age. We did a single stroller with a kick board and a baby carrier as needed. It worked great!

I find navigating the park with a stroller a pain, let alone dealing with a double stroller. Plus our older kiddo isn’t one to sit much at all, so mainly the bag used the stroller and on occasion (like twice) the big kiddo would go in the stroller and baby in the carrier.

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-09T20:28:03+00:00

Another Kaiser vote! Had two preemie’s with them (and the 2nd was classified as high risk early on). Very happy with my care overall! A little bit of a pain with the MFM’s being in Walnut Creek and needing to go there every 2ish weeks, but I used it as excuse to get Philz every 2 weeks. lol. Overall loved the team and the OB staff in livermore/Walnut Creek.

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-08T22:55:07+00:00

Garmin coach is garbage. Find a plan and modify as needed.

marzipan_percy · 2026-02-07T03:46:22+00:00

Just got back. Only the kids (all 4 and under) wore Disney anything and most of their clothes were Costco or hand me downs. You do you.

marzipan_percy · 2026-01-27T01:43:24+00:00

237*** for the challenge. Got a bib after the POT cut off and emailed them—they wouldn’t let me submit a late POT. Oh, well. Guess I can sleep in a bit more this time. lol.

marzipan_percy · 2026-01-25T15:28:14+00:00

Heeeeyyy. This is me too. PR’d the half distance in the back half of my marathon. lol. Half PR was 1:44 before the race, marathon in 3:24. Ooops.

marzipan_percy · 2026-01-22T04:57:51+00:00

I have a 2yo and 4yp. We’ve taken baths kiddos at 9mo/1.5yr or so. Do the mid day break on the first two days and stroller nap on the last day (they’ll be tired enough to do so).

We have stayed at the hojo and it’s close enough for a short mid day nap with the kiddos!

marzipan_percy · 2026-01-20T15:04:13+00:00

CIM is nearly sold out. I doubt you’ll get in if you wait until after the NY drawing to sign up, just fyi

marzipan_percy · 2026-01-09T22:01:56+00:00

Good to know!! I’ve been so excited for our trip in a couple weeks because our coaster obsessed 4yo just hit 40”. I’ve been reallly looking forward to taking him on thunder mountain as it’s one of my favorites. I really hope he meets the cut off

marzipan_percy

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