New runner training

[Patrick]

Yesterday I ran 10.8k in 1:11:00 (just over my goal of 10 minutes per mile) - I had so much left at the end of the race that I ran extreemly fast for the last mile.
Now I would like to plan my weekly miles to run a half marathon in May and a full marathon in the fall of 2011.
Is that a good plan or should I go for a full marathon in the spring.
What should my base be for a half marathon and for how long should I have that base?
What should my base be for a full marathon and for how long should I have that base?

[Colby]

Patrick,

I would say that your plan of a half this spring and a marathon in Fall is a good one. That may be a failing on my part as I am getting ready for a marathon in March. You just want to take it really slow and build a good base of aerobic fitness. Long slow miles will do this over time. If you do it right you can build up a good base by mid-late summer and then start adding speed to your workouts. I would suggest not doing speed and mileage at the same time. You will surprised at how much faster you will get just doing long, slow runs. This is a pretty basic and broad answer, if you want specifics I can try and help with that too.

[Jon Allen]

Patrick- the short answer is that you should build as big of a base as you can without getting injured.  Just pay attention to your body and rest enough.  But the bigger the base, the easier the marathon will be.