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How to Train for a Marathon

· running,marathon,exercise,fitness,training
Man running along a road, image used for Christian Tedrow Strikingly blog on how to train for a marathon

Marathons often seem daunting if you’ve never trained for one before. It’s an incredible intense physical test and requires you to be in good shape – physically and mentally. You’ll need to get into a regular workout routine that maximizes benefits and molds you into the proper shape for running a marathon. It’ll be a lot of hard work, but it’s definitely worth the feeling you get when you cross that finish line.

Do your research

Before you start your training at all, take some time to do your own research (which is likely what brought you to this blog post in the first place). Check out popular runners’ blogs and what professional runners have to say about starting your training. Consider talking to a personal trainer and getting their input on what you should do to prepare for your race. Look into the possible issues with running and also check out what races are good for beginners.

Create a comprehensive workout routine

Once you begin your training, it’s time to focus on creating your workout. Do more research to learn what the best route to take is when it comes to working out. Some basic rules to follow are: one or two rest days, a few days of cross-training so you aren’t only running, and then around three days of varied runs. You know your body the best, so you know where you should start and how much you can push yourself.

Give yourself plenty of time

If you’re only beginning as a marathon runner, you’re going to want to give yourself plenty of time to train. It’ll take a while to work yourself up to running a marathon, so begin training several months, or even a year, ahead of time. Depending on your current fitness level, you may need more or less time to get marathon ready.

Know what you’ll need to have

While you want to be physically fit, there are also a few other things you’ll need in order to be the most successful at your marathon. Remember to always properly hydrate yourself, before and after workouts and while you’re running. This habit is important to carry over to the actual marathon as well. It’s also important to regularly stretch and get in the correct mind space when you’re running so you’re not overwhelmed by all the miles.

Honestly evaluate your progress

Before you actually go to the marathon, evaluate yourself and be honest! If you aren’t ready to run an entire marathon, don’t force it. You could end up seriously injuring yourself and ending your chances of ever running a marathon in the future. Even if you can’t run a marathon when you thought you could, you’re still making progress and can one day reach that goal.

Take care of yourself afterwards
Once you’ve completed the marathon, it’s time to take care of yourself. Make sure you stretch after running and properly hydrate. Avoid pushing yourself too hard immediately afterwards. Rest for a day or two and then start doing some light workouts to keep yourself fit.