Anyone can run a marathon even novice runners. Marathon training should be fun yet challenging. Crossing the finish line in a marathon which is 26.2 miles long, is a challenge that many people cannot claim to have earned. Marathon training can be completed in as little as 16 short weeks.
Why to Run
Motivation is the biggest drive in running a marathon. Being able to complete a marathon you must first build up the mental stamina so you can get in a frame of mind to complete the race. You also have to keep being motivated every single day to keep training until race day. The fact is when surveying those who have completed a marathon, they typically claim that the race was much harder than they thought it would be. One of the hardest obstacles you will face is training hard enough to be able to cross the finish line with a smile on your face.
Goals
Most runners will have a completion time goal in their mind, and they train to make that goal happen. It is much like weight loss or other fitness goals in mind. The first thing to remember about finish time goals is it needs to be attainable. It is not likely you will finish a marathon in two hours. It is doable more than likely to complete it in four hours however. If your goals are reachable, it is likely you will get very discouraged and quit early in training.
Attire
It is important you wear the right clothes and have you shoes properly fit to run a marathon. In fact, you will probably want more than one pair of shoes. Most running enthusiasts recommend the runners going to a running store, and ask for your foot to be fitted. They can also watch you run and recommend a shoe that will be able to meet your running need the best.
Food
Running is different than weight lifting or other exercise. The nutrition is very different. In order to fuel properly, you will need to eat more complex carbohydrates that protein. In fact, most nutritionist recommends that you eat as a runner 65% carbohydrates, 10 % protein, and 25% fat intake. This does not give you a pass to eat French fires and other junk foods. The carbohydrate intake should be complex carbs like brown rice or oatmeal.
Hydration
For every 30 minutes of running, you will lose about 8 oz. of fluid. For this reason it is vital you drink water often when running. The experts recommend you eight yourself before and after your run to know exactly in ounces how much water to drink. It is recommended as well to drink water (or electrolyte enhanced water) or Gatorade (or other sports drink).
Injuries
Injuries are one of the number one causes of delayed training. It is important not to run every day. Your legs and energy needs to have enough rest to be able to run effectively. It is also important to avoid injury when you are not running to apply ice your shins and feet to make sure when you are running they will not hurt. This will greatly increase you mileage and reduce soreness.
Before you begin
It is recommended that before beginning any marathon training, you should be able to run for thirty minutes without stopping to walk. It does not matter if you can run 2 miles in that 30 minutes or 4 miles. What matters is your endurance. The reason is a marathon is all about pacing yourself effectively so you can finish a race.
When you start your marathon race on race day, you will feel pumped up and ready to tackle the race. Be careful to pace yourself well even if you run slower than everyone else. Pacing yourself will help with your energy and will help you be able to finish the race in good time. The marathon race is one goal and achievement that you will feel pride when you accomplish.
