I decided on a whim about a week before our trip to WDW that I was going to do the 5K. (convienently, b/c of the hurricanes our trip was knocked back to Marathon weekend). I had done a 5K in October (finished 40:21) so I knew that I could do it, and I was inspired by reading about everyone's prep work here for the full and half. So I walked/jogged the Fun Run (my parents thought I was nuts) and finished 40:01, rather well considering I exercised nil in the fall/winter. So that got me rather addicted to the marathon idea. I would like to do the Half or Full Marathon next year but I'm not sure which to do. I have been walking and jogging (goal: jog all of the 5K March 11) for the past 3? weeks. I started out limping in from a 13 mi walk at 4 hrs but since then have improved to walking it in 3:25. I am a bit overweight (150lbs and I'm 5ft). I've been jogging 2 days a week (5K-4mi), walking 2 days a week (6mi/13mi), and doing sit ups/push ups the remaining 3 days. I would like to loose the extra weight at about one pound a week so that I'm not as likely to gain it back. Now that you've read this far the question remains: Should I sign up for the Full or the Half for 2007?

I can't answer your question - but I just wanted to give you an atta girl for doing what you're doing -- you're going to be healthier for it (especially with the VERY reasonable expectations on weight loss!) and the first thing you have to do is start! If you can start this now while you're in college (assuming you're 'traditional' college age), you're going to have a lot easier time keeping it off as you get older.

Good Job!!!

Signing up for a full vs. half marathon will largely depend on how much time you want to spend training for it. You know you can walk a half marathon distance. Do you want to challenge yourself and jog the entire course? If you can walk it right now in 3:25, a realistic goal might be to jog the course in 2:45.

A full marathon is a completely different beast. Though the distance is twice that of a half marathon, I'd say it takes 10 times the training for it. If you're willing to do that, then go for it! The good news is that you have plenty of time to train if you make that decision now.

What I'd suggest that you do is start incorporating some jogging into your walking days. Maybe jog 1 mile, walk 3. Your body will get used to jogging a little more too.

Good luck!

There is a huge difference between a half and a full marathon.

My suggestion is to aim for the half marathon first and then you'll have a good idea as to whether or not you're a candidate for a full marathon.

It's important to note that the hardest part of doing a half-marathon is the training. If you put in the time and effort of training then you should have no problem on the day of the race...unless you break your foot of course. ;)

I took up running after I walked my first half marathon. Since then, I've completed 4 marathons and 12 half marathons, and I'm inclined to agree with the saying that "a half marathon is half the distance and twice the fun". The transition from walking 13.1 miles to jogging/running takes a lot of effort, but it is worth it. After you have completed your first half marathon, you can decide whether you want to try for a full marathon.