How long did it take you to fully recover from your first marathon?

For me it took about a month. My first marathon was San Francisco 2009 and I trained for it using a Hal Higdon plan, which peaked at a 40 mile week. So my mileage was quite low. I ran it in 3:36 and I was pretty beat up from it. Probably the biggest factor determining how well you recover is your training volume. Also of course how hard you ran it, but I think even then it's mostly a matter of volume.

I might hold the record here.

Took 2 years off after college, started running again after neuroma surgery. After 2 months of 30-40 miles per week I decided to run a marathon, so I signed up for Chicago that fall. I then spent the summer job hunting and running about 3-4 miles / week for 20-30 miles / week.

Didn't run all of August due to moving, going on vacation. Moved to Chicago and ran 50-60 mpw for 4 weeks. Hurt myself on my last long run 4 weeks out. Didn't run for 3 weeks, and then did 2 5-mile runs the week before the marathon to "test it out". Foot still felt funny, but whatever, I signed up, paid my money, I was going to run this thing.

Felt fine going through halfway in 87 minutes, but foot was getting numb. Hit the wall at 20 miles and started getting passed by hobbyjoggers left and right. Crossed the line in 3:08 and limped back to my apartment.

I couldn't walk without a stabbing pain in my foot for the next 2 months. It was next February before I could run without pain again. (so about 3 months)

PhatTongue wrote:

Just ran my first 4 days ago.

Definitely couldn't walk properly the first few days/crawled up stairs etc. I did two days of nothing (except for biking for transportation), a light pool workout on the 3rd day with an emphasis on mobility exercises (~hurdle drill-type motions)... I felt markedly better after the pool work. Able to walk normally on the 4th day, although I still have significant muscle pain. I expect to go for a jog in the net few days.

I had been doing ~60mpw in December, w/~15 mile long runs

January: only ~40mpw; longest workout was ~20 miles with 5x20min at ~marathon pace. I was averaging 6 minute pace after 16 miles, but walking/jogging after 18 with pretty sharp muscle pains.

You sound almost identical to me. I also couldn't walk normally for a few days, and I only biked for transportation. I also had been doing ~60mpw, and 40mpw in January. My race went the same as you - I was at 5:58 pace through 19 miles, and deteriorated quickly after 20 miles. I even had a 9 minute mile near the end, although I was trying to run fast still. Ended up in 2:49. What was your time? Must have been even slower if you walked.

Three days, but my first marathon was only a 5K. If I had run a 10K marathon, I'm sure it would have taken at least a week.