Want to learn how to train for a marathon or half marathon? The secret to successful marathon training and half marathon training is to make sure that you are prepared for anything and everything, and with helpful tips from MAXFIT 360, you'll be ready to sprint to the finish line.
Everyone knows that training the proper way lies within staying supremely motivated to your regimen, your training methods and proper nutrition. What you didn't know until now might be which steps you should take, and to get ready for your big day, here's a couple of pointers for a head start.
The secret to successful marathon training and half marathon training lies within staying supremely motivated, training smart & safe, and maintaining proper nutrition. Whether you are training for a marathon or half marathon, it takes a lot more than good old determination and willpower to get you through training and the big day. Let your mind lead the way, not your body.
- Set a date. Find out when the next marathon in your area will be by checking a marathon calendar or guide. Don't be overambitious. When we make up our minds to do something, there is a little switch in our brains that tells us to get it done as fast as we can. Turn that switch off.
- In order to train properly you have to do what's right for your mind and your body. This means leaving the proper number of weeks and months to train before the race, especially if you're starting from scratch.
- Invest in the proper running equipment. Of course your running shoes are important. There are three major considerations to take into account when selecting a shoe: foot type, foot strike, and stride pattern. You can get a good idea by examining your foot, and once you've determined these factors, find a store that specializes in running shoes. Check out stores like the Running Shoe Store, Road Runner Sports, New Balance and Fleet Feet.
- Preparing your body for the rigors of prolonged running will lessen the chances of injury. Warming up and stretching helps you by increasing the contraction and relaxation of warmed muscles, improving economy of movement, and increasing blood flow. Remember to stretch before and after you run. Be sure to hold and control each stretch for 30-60 seconds. Stretch all the major leg muscle groups: calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, andhip flexors.
- As you begin a long run, try to jog lightly for the first 5-15 minutes to get your blood flowing and to warm up your muscles. When you are done with your run, it is vital that you stretch for between 5-10 minutes. Cool down. At the end of your run, make sure to walk for 10-20 minutes, depending on the length of your run.
- An eight week minimum training period is suggested, but that comes with the assumption you'll be working out about five times a week, so be realistic! Allow at least three months for training and be sure to run for a 30-60 minutes daily.
- Keep the right pace. Start out your overall training routine, as well as your individual runs, at a reasonable pace. Your pace should increase as your run continues, but be sure to conserve energy for the final half mile or so of the run, to get a final burst of speed in and simulate the finish line at the actual half marathon.
- Make the right amount of progress. Start the first week with a 1-2 mile run, a 3 mile run and a 5 mile run. Add roughly one mile to each category of run every two to three weeks. If you can, try to participate in a few shorter distance road races during your training, to get a feel for the environment, but only go on a few short, light runs the week before the race.
- While training, it is important to think holistically. Running marathons encompasses more than just using your legs to run. A healthy diet and good flexibility are essential in training. Eat the proper amount of carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins to replenish energy and support muscle function. Keeping active will also enhance your other muscles and improve your posture and flexibility.
- A good training program is essential for your success. Having a set schedule will help you avoid procrastination and stay on track. Beginners will likely have three to four days designated for running and two to three days for rest.
Running is a great base in most sport conditioning programs, and MAXFIT 360 can help you get on the path to becoming a marathon runner with sports-specific Road and Trail Running for Fitness. This program offers a great workout and helps to increase the cardiovascular stamina needed at crunch time in almost all endurance sports.
If you don't want to run alone, this program also provides group training so you can bring a friend or have someone else to run with. The purpose of this group is to give those who are new to running, those that need that extra edge in competition, those who have been running awhile or those that just need the accountability of a group a place to call home. We will participate in runs of different lengths and locations.
The group is led by certified fitness trainer and licensed Track and Field Coach, Kaylin Payne, and is perfect for those training for marathons or half marathons to get an extra bit of edge on their competition. Whether you're already a runner or your just starting out, you can successfully train for and finish a marathon or half marathon. With enough determination and proper running and fitness training from MAXFIT 360, you'll already be halfway there.
