How to Train to Run a Marathon

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By dobguy1
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Training for a marathon is the easy part, running the marathon is grueling. take these easy steps to train for a marathon and the race may be fun and a new experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Yourself
good running shoes
motivation

Step 1

Running a marathon is not easy, Ive run 3 in my life and the last few miles are grueling. The key to finishing a marathon is pace. To begin a workout routine for an upcoming marathon I would suggest starting 6 months in advance. Start out slow at about 10 minute miles alternating walking and running. Have a friend with you, running can be hard to stick with if you do it alone.
Step 2

Increase your mileage every week, starting out slow and gradually getting to 12 miles a day by the 4-5th month. I tried to maintain a 7-8 minute pace by my 5th moth. the first marathon is always slower than the second. When training find a training club or person who can help you set your own pace. When I ran my first marathon I ran at 9 minute miles for the entire race, the next year I averaged just under 7 minute miles. the key is to start slow and maintain a steady pace throughout.
Step 3

Too many people burn out at first starting running 7 minute miles only to crash and burn halfway through. Find a pace that works for you and stick with it. Get into a pack of people who run the same pace and they can be a great inspiration and motivating throughout the race. Running a marathon is a great achievement and well worth doing for the experience alone. make sure you have great shoes designed for running, New balance and Nike put out some good cross country trainers and I recommend them. if you paln on running a marathon make sure you start way in advance with your training, stick with it and get excited about the upcoming race. Its worth the effort!

Comments

sccala said

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on 7/8/2009 Good general instruction. However, I steer people away from Nike. As far as long distance running shoes, I don't they make anything up to par. Saucony and Asics I feel have the best "unning" shoes. When I cross train, however, I use New Balance.