I have recently begun training for a marathon. I am on a 20 week schedule in which I increase my mileage every week and have my long run on Saturdays. Has anyone ever done a marathon before? Any tips on dieting or other exercises to do along with my training? Any advice to help me reach my goal?
I ran my one and only marathon when I turned 30, if you follow the training program it is not as bad as you are thinking it is. Sounds like you are in a running group? I did KatyFit and that made the long runs so much easier.
I run with my girlfriend who is on the cross country team at our University. She is doing the same program I am.
If you have time to 1. Watch T.V. 2. Play on the Computer 3. Take more than 1 S**t a day 4. Post on Clutchfans 5. Have more than 5 min to eat in one sitting 6. Have time to wack off You are not training enough!! :grin:
That's an it depends kind of question. Is your goal just to finish, or run a certain time? Runnersworld.com is a great place to start - they have training programs for all levels of runners - also google is your friend. If you are in Houston there are many groups that train for the marathon together which is a great way to learn and pick up new friends. Houston Fit, Power in Motion, Kenyan Way, and so on. Find an experienced runner and he or she will be glad to share their training tips. Just be prepared for lots of different opinions. Sorry for not being more specific, but there is too much to tell you for a message board.
Depends on what sort of running shape you're in to start with. 20 weeks may be short if you're starting at a 3-5 mile level or less. Be ready for a glass ceiling at ~ 17mi mark (training and actual marathon). Mental fortitude and refusing to quit mean everything. Pay close attention to your feet and be prepared to buy new shoes. Go to a good running store like Luke's Locker and get their advice on what type of shoes you should wear - it's a very individual thing. Start cutting back on alcohol and caffeine.
