How to Prepare for a Marathon

You're a good runner and enjoy keeping up a strong pace for long distances. You'd like to take your running to the next level, but being able to train for a marathon means more than just pushing yourself harder to run a greater distance. There are steps you should take to properly prepare for a marathon.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. See your doctor. It's hard on your body to run and train for a marathon, and it's best to get a complete physical no matter how healthy you believe you are. Tell your doctor you plan to run a marathon.

2. Decide your level of commitment. To train for a marathon, you are going to need a great deal of inner strength and determination. The mental aspects of running the distance are as important as the physical ones. Consider other outlets, such as a a half marathon, if you lack the desire to complete a full one.

3. Pick a training schedule. Talk to expert runners (a local running club can point you in the right direction) about what you want to accomplish. Your schedule should factor in whether you goal is to finish the race, finish with a particular time, where you are now as a runner and how much time there is to train before your target marathon. Start slow and gradually build your training up so it's easier to stick with.

4. Talk to other runners. Gain perspective from people who are experienced so you know what to expect both physically and mentally as you train. Choose a running club in your area, or find blogs and other information from the running community online.

5. Get the right gear. All shoes are not created equally, so buy from a store which specializes in runner's shoes. You must have the right fit, the right design and the right build for your foot. Use those shoes for marathon training only.

6. Eat right. Training for a marathon, puts your body under an enormous amount of stress. Eating the right foods gives you the proper fuel your body needs. Pay close attention to hydration as well and talk with a trusted doctor or nutritionist on both your carbohydrate levels and the right amount of water or other liquids you'll need to drink.

7. Stretch. As you develop your running muscles, they get firmer. Keep them flexible by doing proper warm-ups before you run and stretch afterwards.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick to a schedule. Consistency, pacing, development and recovery are key to good marathon training. It builds discipline to run the marathon, so staying with your schedule as you train is a good test.

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