Marathon Training

Marathon training is essential if you are to successfully run and complete a marathon. A Marathon is the longest run many runners will ever face. In order to prepare yourself, you have to create a marathon training schedule and stick to it. The question, however, is what type of schedule do you need in training for a marathon?

The experts generally agree you have to increase the amount of mileage you can cover if you wish to compete in a marathon. A Marathon training plan will take into consideration the question of distance or long distance running. In fact, this is the most important factor in considering how to train for a marathon. One of the pieces of important data you will need to consider is your own level of running.

An elite runner can run more than 100 miles a week as part of his training practice; a recreational runner may be able to crank out around 20 miles. Most people are not in this elite class. As a result, the type of Marathon training for an elite runner differs substantially from a program showing you how to train for your first marathon. While a free marathon training plan is available on several web sites, consider first what your goal is in running this marathon and how realistic you can be in integrating any of the marathon training schedules into your life.

Begin with setting at least 10 weeks aside for your training. This is the minimum time allowable in which you can complete with sufficient time, a marathon training program. You require time to build up your endurance, increase the length of your runs and taper off. This is the consistent program used by most athletes when training for a marathon. What differs is the length of time spent on the training process. Some athletes have marathon training plans that last five or six months. Let this be your basic marathon training guide.

	More Info

The first recommendation by trainers to incorporate into marathon training plans is to increase the distance you run. Some state you should run eight miles every week; others feel the more miles you build up over he weeks, the better the chance you have of winning or at least running the race. Whichever plan you choose to follow, do not start out by reaching the immediate distance goal. For the first few weeks, gradually increase the mileage.

As you increase the mileage and start to get yourself into shape, consider how far you want to go. Over the next five weeks, you have two options: increase your mileage or maintain a set mileage every day. Some experts recommend you do speed work during these few weeks; others suggest you do two long runs per week and restrict yourself to smaller runs during the rest of the week.

About two weeks before the race, taper off your runs. Do not increase your speed or lengthen your distance. Wind down. After the race, you are also to wind down. How long depends, again upon what plan you choose to follow.

A few last Marathon training tips: watch your nutrition, eat and run consistently, get plenty of rest and, above all, enjoy the race.