Skip to main content

10 Tips for Successfully Training for a Marathon

You did it! Congratulations. You went online and registered for the race.

 
You got this!
Training is all about being methodical, organized, and following the guidelines and packet. Once your routine is established, you'll be well on your way to creating a memory -- and an accomplishment -- that you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Whether it's a marathon or a half marathon, consider the following preparation tips to keep you on track:

1. Choose a reputable race organization.
Check out their online reputation and what other runners have to say about the support, information, route, race day organization, parking, and volunteer effort.

2. Attain a training packet.
Check in with the marathon organization, or find one that best fits you. This is really important. As the old adage goes: If you fail to plan, you’re planning on failing. Don’t let that be daunting; a training plan is as important as having the right training shoes.


Good reminders for the marathoner -- and for everyone else, as well!

3. Go for a good sneaker fitting.
This is no jog to the park! This is the big time, and your shoes need to fit the occasion.
4. Train outside as often as you can.

You’ll be outside on race day, and the varying weather, inclines, declines, and air will help you to prepare.

5. Cross train.
Mix up your runs with some swimming, yoga, and Pilates. It's fine to cross train with some other machines at the gym, too, but be kind to your body. You’re really pushing yourself to your limits, and the benefits of low-impact activities listed here will have your body saying, "ahhh..." and you'll need that.

6. Track your success.
Journal your daily routine, and watch your numbers, times, and emotions change. You'll be glad you did.

7. Check in with your doctor.
Is it time for an extra calcium supplement? Your bones are going to be taking a bit of a hit for a few months; if nothing else, be sure to drink some extra milk or to eat some slices of fresh Parmesan cheese.


Early morning jogs are the best. This is your time.

8. Train in the morning.
For all sorts of reasons, this is a great suggestion. The race will start early in the morning, but by banking some miles before it gets too hot, you'll also be avoiding a lot of pollution and smog that settles in by mid-morning. Get outta bed and go!

9. Consider investing in a good training watch and heart monitor.
It's fascinating to watch your numbers change as you get into even better shape, and these numbers will also help you to make sure you're not in any danger zones, either. It's a win-win.

10. Team up!
You'll enjoy this process if you train with someone else -- or even a great group. You don't have to do every run together unless you want to, but knowing that you have someone to check in with will really help to motivate you on the days that you might not feel like going the distance.

At any age, setting this goal is such a great accomplishment, and it's also a great example to set for those who love you the most. Congratulations on your decision to meet this goal! Good luck!

Valerie J. Wilson is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about business, education, and health and wellness.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Pore shrinking mask recipes from home

A face with large open pores when seen from close quarters doesn’t look so good. While it’s quite common for oily skins to have a tendency towards open pores, an attack of pimples also leaves ugly scars and open pores behind.  Even though the scars may fade away after some time, open pores appear to be more obstinate and hardly show any signs of shrinking.  Age also takes its toll by giving an uneven/pigmented tone to the skin and making the open pores more prominent. Heredity could also be a contributing factor in determining your pore size. It’s not easy to get rid of these pores or shrink them completely or permanently using serums, lotions or face packs. Even resorting to drastic chemical/surgical procedures at the dermatologist’s isn’t quite capable of giving satisfactory results.  Nevertheless, you can try and minimize their appearance at least temporarily with clever makeup and a few natural skin care masks such as these: * Cleanse your face with a mild ...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.