Training for your first marathon will take discipline, commitment, and a supportive strategy. It’s an exciting time where you will learn just how far you can push your body. Here are 5 tips to help you get started.
Start Small
If your goal is to run a full marathon, train for and run a 5K first. If your goal is a 5K you will still need to train, but your commitment will be far less than when training for a 10K, half, or full marathon. Either way, give yourself a full year to train. It’s not a bad idea to pop in for a physical and to talk through your athletic goals with your physician.
Join A Running Club
One of the best ways to train for a marathon is by joining a running club. This is a great way to meet both new and experienced runners and learn training tips and tricks. You’ll need to commit to 3 to 5 days every week. Not every day needs to be with the running club but running with a group can help you stay motivated. You’ll also make a few friends.
Invest In The Right Gear
Not only do you need to upgrade your gear but invest in at least 2 new pairs of running shoes. Alternate your shoes every other day and loosely track your mileage to replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or sooner if they start to feel uncomfortable. Beyond your shoes, you need quality socks and breathable anti-chafing fitness gear. Also, weather appropriate running gear.
Consult A Nutritionist
We could all benefit from working with a nutritionist to personalize our nutrition. However, shifting gears from regular weekly workouts to training for a marathon means we need to rethink the way we fuel our body. Many new runners only focus on their recovery meals, but a nutritionist will teach you how every meal can optimize your performance, improve endurance, and help your body heal.
You need to give your body at least 2 days off a week from running, and at least 24 hours of full physical rest. In addition to your recovery nutrition and days off, you can further help your body recover with strategic cross training, stretching, massage, steam, Epsom salt baths, and CBD to soothe sore muscles.
Whether your goal is to cross marathons off your Bucket List or you continue to run for years to come, the tips above will help you create a healthy foundation to build upon.