Thoughts for the Beginner Marathon Runner

As a beginner marathon training can seem overwhelming.  When you are a beginner marathon runner you are not sure where to start or who to listen to.  All you know is that you want to learn how to run a marathon.  I say when you are a beginner marathoner it can’t hurt to listen to everything and then extract what works for you.  There are some standard thoughts that most everyone shares with regard to being a beginner marathon runner like get a good training program, get good shoes, eat healthy, etc.  The following are just some of the thoughts that come to my mind as I think about being a beginner marathon runner, maybe they will be of help to you.

The beginner marathon runner often fears the long training runs.  If this is you, then remember that a good training program is the key to conquering those long training runs.  When you get to that stage in your trainer you will still be a beginner marathon runner in that you have yet to run your first marathon.  However, you will be a seasoned runner with regard to tackling the long training runs.

Beginner marathon runners aren’t always sure what kinds of food and dietary supplements they should be consuming.  If you are a beginner marathon runner and you aren’t sure about your dietary needs, just remember that real is better and balance is best. Real means not processed.  This is especially true for carbohydrates. Beginner marathon runners sometimes forget to eat protein because they are focusing on carbohydrates.  You need both protein and carbohydrates as a runner regardless if you are a beginner marathon runner or a seasoned marathon runner.

Beginner marathon runners may be interested in energy gels and/or drinks.  You’ll want to be careful with these products.  If you are a beginner marathon runner and you haven’t ever tried these types of products, try an energy gel during one of your long training runs and see how your body reacts.  Then you’ll know if this is something that will help you or hinder you as a beginner marathon runner.

Something that helps both seasoned marathon runners and beginner marathon runners is to keep a log of your training runs.  Seeing it on paper really gives you a good grip on how much training you are actually doing.  You’ll be training for at least eighteen weeks regardless of whether you are a seasoned or a beginner marathon runner.  Tracking your runs and the time up to the marathon will give you a sense of accomplishment and help keep you on track.

It is important for the beginner marathon runner to stay on track with training.  However, if you suffer an injury it is equally important for the beginner marathon runner, or any runner, to take a break and allow your injury to heal.  It doesn’t matter how long it takes for your injury to heal, but you need to take all the time that is required.  This is a mistake that many runners make.  Try not to make it as a beginner marathon runner.  Then remember that you didn’t make that mistake as you become a more seasoned runner.

Happy running!!