You cannot finish a marathon that you do not start.
Only 1/10 of 1 percent of living Americans have successfully run a marathon. Running 26 miles and 385 yards, for most people, seems like a Herculean task. Most firmly believe you must be a professional runner or train for years to complete this task. This is simply not the case. With adequate preparation, careful planning and the right mindset, most people can complete complete a marathon, and have an enjoyable time doing it.
Instructions
Preperation
1. Consult a doctor before beginning this or any exercise program. Be certain your doctor knows the endeavor you are beginning when you visit.
2. Investigate marathon training regimens. There are very specific methodologies for marathons that have been tried thousands of times to measure success. Do not be a Lone Ranger, do the homework.
3. Not all shoes are made for running a marathon.
Purchase running footwear. You will need two pairs of high-quality running shoes as directed by a store specializing in sporting goods. They will analyze your stride and make recommendations as to what shoe will work best for your form.
4. Running clothing is well worth the investment.
Purchase running clothing. Focus on materials that wick perspiration away from your body as you run. Avoid cotton at all costs as it is not suited for running gear. Running socks are helpful as directed by your footwear professional. Typically they will have a firm support and be made of a wicking material as well.
5. Acquire accessories. Purchase a fanny pack, headbands and anti-chafing materials such as roll-ons. You will be applying it on any body part that rubs together against any other body part or rubs against your clothing.
Training
6. Begin a training regimen as provided by one of many experts. Consult your local runner's supply store for personal trainers or purchase a marathon training manual. If you use a personal trainer, get references from successful students. Typically they will have you begin running four or five days per week with one cross-training session. Examine the schedule closely and, if necessary, begin your own pre-training regimen. You should be walking briskly or jogging at least four or five days a week. Once ready, follow the professional schedule without wavering.
7. Watch the calendar and train accordingly.
Begin your regimen with a specific marathon date in mind. Many marathon training guides will train you rigidly for between 18 and 24 weeks. Plan your training to end a week before your marathon date so you have a small amount of recovery time prior to the race.
8. Time and record every running session. Evaluate your pace in terms of speed per mile on short runs compared to long runs. Keep a journal of your experience including positive and negative experiences.
9. Have confidence that you will finish.
Prepare mentally. Convincing yourself that you can complete the race is a large part of the process. The training regimen will help as you will be working toward running 30 to 40 miles per week. Toward the end of the training, you will typically run a practice run of nearly a marathon.
10. Obey the professionals.
Follow a marathon guide's recommendations as to stretching, fluid intake, diet and injury prevention tips. Many guide writers have run hundreds of marathons and train people of all walks of life. If you can have a professional trainer instead of only a manual, ask questions and take careful notes so you are ready on race day.
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