Are you a dedicated runner or fitness buff looking for a new challenge, or a beginner exerciser who feels they need a specific goal to get them motivated? Or are you perhaps looking for a grand gesture to help you raise money for an important cause? Whatever your reasons, you may feel the lure of the long-distance marathon, and decide to pursue the extreme sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the gruelling races.
Whether you’re doing a full 26.2-mile marathon or a 13.1-mile half marathon, the following advice will help you get started with your training and hopefully avoid injury, stay motivated and ultimately achieve your goal.
(Image via Dru Bloomfield - At Home in Scottsdale on Flickr)
Whether you’re doing a full 26.2-mile marathon or a 13.1-mile half marathon, the following advice will help you get started with your training and hopefully avoid injury, stay motivated and ultimately achieve your goal.
(Image via Dru Bloomfield - At Home in Scottsdale on Flickr)
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Gear up for training
Before starting training, ask yourself why you want to complete a marathon. This will help you identify if you have the drive necessary to get you through all the many tough days and challenges involved. Doing a marathon because your friends are or wanting to lose a bit of weight probably aren’t sufficient motivators to push you through the early morning runs, sore muscles and hours of training that are all part of training for marathon.
If you do feel psychologically prepped for the process, make sure you equip yourself with the right gear to enable you to succeed. A good quality pair of running shoes is vital; they will provide the support and cushioning you need to allow you to run effectively and avoid injury. Purchase your shoes at a specialist running shop where the staff will help you find a pair suited to your particular feet and gait, and consider investing in several pairs – that way you can alternate and allow the shoes to dry thoroughly between runs, and also ensure you’re always getting sufficient support.
Also make sure you have comfortable running clothes that will keep you warm or cool as the weather requires – this can include shorts or running tights, short and long-sleeve shirts for layering, and even a hat and gloves for cooler days. You may also want to consider gadgets such as a heart-rate monitor or pedometer to help you measure your progress in training.
(Image via puuikibeach on Flickr)
If you do feel psychologically prepped for the process, make sure you equip yourself with the right gear to enable you to succeed. A good quality pair of running shoes is vital; they will provide the support and cushioning you need to allow you to run effectively and avoid injury. Purchase your shoes at a specialist running shop where the staff will help you find a pair suited to your particular feet and gait, and consider investing in several pairs – that way you can alternate and allow the shoes to dry thoroughly between runs, and also ensure you’re always getting sufficient support.
Also make sure you have comfortable running clothes that will keep you warm or cool as the weather requires – this can include shorts or running tights, short and long-sleeve shirts for layering, and even a hat and gloves for cooler days. You may also want to consider gadgets such as a heart-rate monitor or pedometer to help you measure your progress in training.
(Image via puuikibeach on Flickr)
Flag this comment as:
Not NiceInappropriateSpam
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
