I'm 18, how soon should I run a marathon?
Would trying to run one next year be out of the question?
Everyone seems to say to me "you shouldn't run 26 until you are 26." But this advice is from ex-joggers from the 70s.
When did you guys run your first marathons?
Ran my first one at 21, and did most of the training for one when I was 18 but only ran a half-marathon. You don't seem too young to try one, just be careful and make sure you are trained well. I believe by 26 I had three under my belt and have run four more since then (I'm 33 now). Take advantage of this time to get some experience at this race distance; it will pay off later as your goals become more intense.
I ran my first when I was younger than you. I've since run well over an hour faster than that first one but I can look back it and still say it was one of my greatest running accomplishments. You never know what life is going to deal you. If you feel like doing it, get it out of your system and do it. Don't wait.
I ran a Thon at 18. I thought it was too early.
Research what Bruce Deacon, 2:13 Thoner, thinks about this subject.
I think 5:00 AM is about as early as I would want to run a marathon, but some people are up earlier and ready to go.