Marathon Training Tips
One Month Marathon
Running a marathon can be a monumental achievement. It's a great way to earn money for charity, get yourself in shape, or even cross something off your bucket list. If you've decided to run a marathon, but you've noticed that the deadline is close at hand, how can you even begin to get in shape for running those long miles? Here are some tips for running a marathon with only one month of training.
Train yourself mentally
Your mind will be the battleground for this endeavor. First, you should carefully examine why you're running. Is it for your health? For Charity? Are you running to win a bet? No matter the reason, you need to make sure that you're setting realistic goals for yourself. If you're out of your 20's, and out of shape, a time under 5 hours probably just won't happen. Figure out a truly recognizable goal. If it takes all day to run, then it takes all day.
Don't push too hard in training
Most marathon runners usually train for a minimum of 18 weeks, and that's a schedule for people who run already. If you're just getting started and your time is limited, it's incredibly important to pace yourself. If you injure your knee the first week of training, you certainly won't be healed in time to run your marathon, and an injury will steal valuable training days from you.
Train only at levels that are comfortable to you. Keep your reasonable goal in mind, and aim for it. You're not going to completely overhaul your body in a month, so the best thing you can do is aim to finish the race standing tall, or for that matter still standing.
Get rid of training excuses
You'll need every day of your month for training, so don't fall prey to the same excuses that keep people from going to the gym. An indoor treadmill can take away most of your problems. If you are able to run indoors, you won't have to worry about rain, heat, or cars on the roads. Of course, you can't do all your training inside. You do need to expose yourself to whatever may happen on the marathon track.
Get the proper equipment
You're going to be pushing your body very hard over the next month, so make sure you're taking advantage of every tool you can. Get good shoes that are specifically designed for running. Choose clothing that will wick away moisture, and keep you cool and dry. Get a pedometer and a heart rate monitor to track your progress, and make sure you stay hydrated. You can even train with ankle weights, which will increase leg strength.
Whatever you do to train, take care of yourself. Eat high protein meals, and don't be afraid of carbs. Get plenty of sleep, and protect yourself from the sun while running outside. Be aware of what's going on around you, too. If you wear headphones while you run, you may not hear a car passing too closely. All in all, remember to have fun. Having fun makes it a lot easier when it comes time to perform.
