You have to train and stick to a marathon schedule in order to be successful. You have to be vigilant about what you eat, making sure that you're not sabotaging your training with food. Though it may take some initial work, making your own marathon schedule, tailored to meet your skill level and time commitment, will help make training for your marathon much easier.
The first thing you should do when creating your training schedule is take a look at what's already out there. Running publications (such as Runners World) have spent a lot of time and research creating what they see as ideal training schedules. Experienced marathoners also share their training schedules either through web sites or in books.
But you may find that a pre-determined schedule isn't right for you. You may need to adjust a schedule or combine several schedules to accommodate your skill level and lifestyle. Keep in mind, though, that if you are having trouble finding a schedule that you can handle mileage-wise, it may mean that you aren't quite ready to run a marathon. You should be able to run a minimum of five to six miles several times a week before training to run a marathon.
Most marathon training schedules will incorporate a cross-training day. This is your chance to have fun with exercising. Though you may enjoy running, it might get tiring and repetitive when you're training. Use your cross-training days to explore new activities, whether it's as simple as the elliptical machine at the gym or a new sport. Just try to avoid sports that are tough on the knees, like soccer and tennis. These could easily cause an injury, or at the very least put a strain on your already stressed knees.
Don't underestimate the importance of rest. Those rest days on your schedule? Stick to them. It can be tempting to do something on your off days, since you're so used to being active. Resist the urge and give your body a chance to heal.
You'll also have to tailor your diet. Eat enough to keep you going on those long training days. Make sure you're getting enough carbohydrates (the complex kind), to fuel your marathon training. Protein is important for rebuilding the muscle that you're tearing during training, and you'll need a little fat too (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated). Avoid junk food, as sugar can zap your energy levels. Caffeine and alcohol should also be strictly limited or cut out entirely, especially as race day grows nearer.
With a little bit of research, you can design a marathon training schedule and diet program which will suit your needs and prepare you for your best marathon.
 | Running a marathon can be a difficult yet fulfilling experience. With the proper marathon training, you can successfully complete your first 26.2 mile race. |
Learn how to train for a half marathon before you start. There are a lot of important considerations when running a long road race, and you don't want to hurt yourself. |
When John F. Kennedy challenged America to reach the moon by the end of the 1960's, he said we were not doing it because it was easy - we were doing it because it was hard. |
A few years ago, the idea of running 26.2 miles was extremely unappealing. I couldn't understand why anyone would put themselves through that kind of torture. |
A marathon runner needs stamina, a good pair of running shoes and a commitment to train hard. |
