I completed my first marathon in December. What some don’t know is that I was a previous anti-runner. I ran years ago, but in recent years I had even made the statement, “I hate running.  I’m a good walker.”  I wrote my reflections of the day in the post “10 Things I Learned From My First Marathon”.  Since that post, I continue to get asked how I prepared to run 26.2 miles. I continue to encounter people like me who never really got into the habit of running, but who are inspired to run a longer race.  So, I decided to offer some serious suggestions.  Some of these I did and some I wish I had, but hopefully they will help you prepare for your longer race. 

1.     Training makes all the difference.  

I did finish my marathon, but I wasn’t adequately prepared. I won’t do another one until I’m sure my schedule will allow me to complete all of it. 

2.     Follow a training schedule that matches your schedule. 

The Internet is full of online schedules.  I found Hal Higdon’s and it fit well (until the end) with my weekly schedule. 

3.     If you have to skip training one day, don’t skip the long runs. 

They are vital to stretching you for the big day. 

4.     You are likely to gain weight while training. 

You will have an appetite like never before.  If you aren’t careful, you will justify eating much more because you are running so much.  If your goal is to lose weight, you’ll need to have a plan for what you eat too.  (The good news is you will get to eat more!) 

5.     Keep running.

In the beginning, before you are truly committed, run even if you don’t feel like it; even if you don’t run as far as the schedule calls for that day.  You must push through the desire to quit.  The joy of running will come. (This is one of those “you just have to experience it to believe it” things.)

6.     Remember it’s a “marathon not a sprint”. 

Don’t frustrate at where you are today. Keep pushing forward and you’ll increase over time.  Celebrate each step of progress. 

7.     Shoes matter.

I’m tight with money, but I have discovered that having the right shoes and replacing them often is a key to lessen injuries.

8.     Learn to stretch. 

This is one I haven’t mastered, but I know the pain of not learning how. 

9.     The rest periods in your schedule are important. 

Once you start to enjoy running, you will be tempted to run on off days.  Don’t!  Your body needs the rest to prepare for the longer runs. 

10. If you are training for a full marathon, try to do a half-marathon first. 

It will help if you’ve experienced the adrenaline of a longer race.  If you are training for a half, then run at least one shorter race sometime in your training program. 

11. Don’t let your head play tricks with you. 

Running for long periods of time is as much a mental exercise as a physical one.

12. Once you cross the finish line, no one can take that feeling away from you! 

You, too, can run a long run!  I’m encouraging you to go for it!  

Related posts:

1. Let My Marathon Training Help Plan Your Life
2. 10 Things I Learned from my First Marathon
3. A Day In The Life Of A Pastor
4. Running a Marathon is Stupid!
5. Tips For Managing Stress