Marathon Training

A marathon and even a half marathon are no joke. There is more than just the physical strain of running for such a prolonged amount of time. A marathon takes mind, body and soul to overcome such a long and strenuous run. Even seasoned marathon runners run into the so called “wall” during the duration of the run. The trick is to get your mind and body ready for everything that it might encounter during the process.

Training for a marathon takes dedication. Depending on your fitness level there are two popular methods to training for a marathon. One of these is a 16 week training schedule. It is a method that allows you to build your body up to the capabilities of running a marathon. This method has you running Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The miles are different each day and start out small with the goal of having you be able to run the length of a marathon in one day during the sixteenth week. This training schedule assumes that you have been running already for approximately 6 to 10 weeks prior to starting the training program and in addition can run for at least 30 minutes without stopping.

The next training program is a 26 week program that is designed for the individual that has not been running at all or has only been running for a very short amount of time. The days are basically the same as the previous training program. The difference is that for the first 6 weeks you are on a run/walk regimen. This is designed to get your body used to moving at a constant pace.

Knowing your pace for a marathon is the only thing that can really get you through it. Practice a particular pace to see what is right for you. Running at a sprint for the first few miles will only leave you feeling fatigued by mid marathon. Practice makes perfect and slow and steady wins the race.