“The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy… It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed.” ~Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ
For any individual that runs marathons, training to run your first marathon is no easy feat; that is, if you are not training for it properly. Prior to training for marathons, wearing proper running shoes and wearing proper running clothes, one must set a plan. First set a date for the desired marathon. One can do so by searching for a marathon calendar or a marathon guide. Next is to allow 5 to 6 months in advance if you are a novice runner (that is a general guideline not set in stone). There are reasons why one should allow for such time to train. It is important to build a base while training to run a full marathon. It also allows the body to be well conditioned as one prepares to increase their mileage during running. there are several running schedules. The key is to find the right one that works for you. It’s been noted that a standard 16 week program is designed to prepare the runner for a full marathon; however, one can use a basic marathon schedule which makes running easier on your body and schedule. There are some programs that allow four days of rest per week, but most of them insist on you running four days a week. Running back-to-back days may even be pushing it too hard, especially for the novice runner; the body needs time to allow for rest, so running every other day is fine.
Investing in the proper running shoes and running clothes are important. It takes anywhere from 1500 to 200o steps per mile, so one can imagine the amount of pounding the body acquires as each stride hits. You should invest your time to talk to a running shoe expert to fit you in the correct running shoes, so that it addresses your needs, especially when preparing for the full marathon. Preparing your body for the severity of prolonged running may lessen the chances of injury. Implementing a good warm-up routine prior to the scheduled run helps increase blood flow to the muscle tissues and making the movement of your running stride more efficient.
Remember to stay positive and motivated while training for a full marathon, because that can be the toughest part. Be sure to find out what motivates you, visualize yourself being the runner that you desire. Stay focused; training to run a full marathon takes several months. If you are unable to run on one of your scheduled days, do not worry. Get back on track and run. You can do it!
Dr. Runco is a U.S. Navy and Gulf War Veteran. Graduating as a Doctor of Chiropractic he began private practice in San Diego in 2000. He has been a professor of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics at various colleges and continues to teach continuing education in the fields of rehabilitation, custom orthotics and athletic taping. He is also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is also an orthopedic doctor that specializes in treating foot injuries and problems.