How to Start Training for a Marathon

How to start training for a marathon for the first time:

Making the decision to compete in a marathon is the first step in a long and difficult process. It is not an impossible feat, but it takes a lot of hard work, and dedication to attain your goal. Someone who is considering running in their first marathon should realize there is great amounts of training too successfully complete the marathon never mind winning.

One of the most commonly asked questions by those who are interested in competing in a marathon is when to start training. There is no simple, right or wrong answer because all runners are different or the individual is not already running regularly and new to running. If someone is new to running and would like to start training for a marathon, it is very important that they have running sneakers that are fitted properly and made for running, less than three months old, and a pack to carry water and snacks. These things are the necessary items for training and can make the race easier and more manageable. If one so desires they may invest in a heart rate monitor, and they are relatively inexpensive and easy to function. The sneakers however are the most important piece of gear of a marathon runner. They should provide proper support for your feet, but should also be well broken in without being overly worn; therefore have a pair for training and then when getting close to race day, purchase another pair with enough time to break them in. Sneakers usually take approximately 2-3 weeks to sufficiently to break in before race day and without giving you problems, such as blisters. Selecting the same type for race day as you were training will be good too, along with clothing that keeps moisture away from the skin. It is considered a good idea to wear an outfit that you have worn many times before and rather than something brand new that you have not worn. Otherwise, by wearing something new, may cause chafing and then causing pain during the race, in which can have an effect of the performance of the runner.

 When beginning to train and start running, if you have not run any amount of long distance before, it would be considered to start with a 5k, 10k, and then a half marathon before conquering the full marathon. Allow yourself at least 6 months of training, with running every other day if you are a beginner and increasing the distance a little each day. Keep a running log for the duration of your training, by race day, you should be able to run the 26.2 miles with ease and complete it. Starting slow gradually increasing distance and speed, to prevent any injuries will also help increase the mileage and enable you to build strength without sacrificing health and muscle mass.  Make attainable goals throughout the training process, with when and how far you will run each day, establish a schedule that you will be able to keep up with your weekly running goals.

Terrain also plays a factor in training; you want to make sure your training program will include some hills. This will help prepare for the race efficiently; moreover, it will help build strength in your legs. In which will let you run with more ease throughout the race.