Hello Healthy Happier Bear readers!! Are you thinking about training for a marathon? Are you already training for one, or a second one? Third? WHY? Get used to that question…Some people just don’t get it. They look at us like we are aliens, or crazy, or crazy aliens. With horns. They think of 26.2 miles as a long drive, never mind trying to fathom it as a run! You are about to cross over into Superhuman territory…and it is awesome and you are welcome here! I am AJ from 5 Miles Past Empty, 3x marathoner, 1x Marathon DNF-er, 17x half marathoner.
In my past life my marathon training had no moderation. I ran my first 26.2 in April of 2010, then my second in October 2010, and my third in December 2010. Had y first DNS (Did not start) in November 2011 and first DNF (did not finish) in April 2012. The only one I feel went well was my first. I am here to tell you what I learned while training for three marathons in a matter of 9 months, and then two not-so-great attempts.
1. Training for a Marathon is a commitment not to be taken lightly. Sure you can just show up for a 5k, 10k, some of us for a 13.1 but if you just show up for a marathon you will get hurt. You will do damage, whether it is immediately noticeable as in blisters and muscle soreness or sneaky, long-term damage like ITB irritation, stress fractures, or plantar fasciitis (all just the tip of the damage iceberg). So make a plan, there are some great free ones online or treat a veteran runner to coffee and talk training plans. Be honest with yourself about your time available. Identify your roadblocks (childcare, family responsibilities, work, travel, routes, weather-it all factors in). Once the plan is made this is where the commitment comes in…Hang it on the fridge and repeat after me: With this magnet I Thee wed…I promise to run and to rest, from this day forth…rain or shine, PMS or not, until I cross the finish line. And this is an awesome Segway into #2….
2. Training for a Marathon works best when you make it a lifestyle change. It’s hard enough as it is, but toss in the late-nights out with friends, eating food that isn’t good for fuel and muscle repair, and trying to train is just a recipe for disaster. The first few weeks of an 18 week training plan you may be able to get by with this. But come time for your mid-week long runs of 10+ miles and your weekend long runs in the teens and eventually 20 or more miles, you are going to need your rest, recovery, nutrition, and mental fortitude. So commit to making a lifestyle change, even if only for the 3 months you train for your 26.2. BUT…don’t totally deprive yourself. Treat yourself to that girl’s night out or glass of wine. It’s ok, in moderation. Stay focused on your goal…which leads me to #3….
3. Set realistic goals. Enough said. I mean really, yes we all would love to BQ on our first marathon but is it realistic? For some yes, for others….notsomuch. And that is just fine. My “A goal” for marathon #1 (and 2 and 3 and 4 and all those to come) was to finish with a smile. If you don’t finish with a smile then what is it all for? Of course you can add your “B goal” with a goal time, “C goal” with a second best finish time…however you chose to do it just make sure you set yourself up for success, not disappointment. Find running gurus who can help you visualize and set your goals, which leads me to #4… 
4. Birds of a feather flock together…or run together. It’s just easier when all your friends and family understand your goal-whether it be to win, to BQ, or to finish with a smile, their support is crucial to your success. Surround yourself with people who are positive. Do what you can to find running partners. They will join you, stride for stride. They will laugh with you, cry with you, push you and pull you mile after mile…and you will find you are doing the same for them. It will blossom into an amazing friendship and better yet, if you actually share that first 26.2 miles together you will have forged a connection that will bond you for life…kind of like another “first” I often compare sharing a marathon to. And on that note, you only have one first marathon…and you want it to be perfect.
If you follow these four simple pointers you will be well on your way to completing your first (and/or subsequent) marathon with a smile…and probably even accomplishing a time goal. And be aware that throughout this journey you will transform. You will slowly morph into a superhero of sorts. You will gain self-confidence, clarity, and strength that reaches all the corners of your life. So go ahead, make the commitment and drop me a line when you finish with a smile…
Great, honest post–thanks! I’m wondering if you know of any marathon training plans that don’t schedule so many runs back-to-back–so the runs are better spread out over the week? Or can you just modify the days of the week as you like, as long as you get all the listed runs in?
Hi Nikki! Absolutely, you can juggle the days all around. As long as you hit your weekly total mileage! And even check out Hal Higdon Novice 1 plan too…just google it. =) Or shoot me an email. I think 5 runs a week is ideal, so you will have some back to back runs, but you can make the plan yours and don’t stress! It’s supposed to be fun! =)
AJ
Great post! Love the shot of Big Sur too!!
THANKS! It was a beautiful race! I highly recommend it for anyone!
AJ, which race did you run with DNation? I did Savannah with them! Great tips!
I did Rock n Roll Seattle in 2011! It was a blast! How was Savannah?
Wow, you had an amazing time…go you!
Ah thanks lady!! And that was the GUN time! So my actual finish time was a bit faster! =)
This is a great blog! My first marathon is in November and I plan on starting my 16 week plan next month. Been taking baby steps …ran a few 5ks, 10k in July, half-marathon in September then the biggie in November! My goal is to finish with a smile. 🙂 thanks for the useful tips!
Which marathon are you doing in November? I’m doing OBX in North Carolina in November! We will be virtually training together! =) Good luck and remember, HAVE FUN!
Did you actually train with the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan? I’m about to start it next week – wondering if it successfully got you where you needed to be! Thank you.
Hey Anne! YES! I LOVE LOVE Hal Higdon! My very first marathon I used his Novice 1 and had my best marathon finish time of 4:09. It will most definitely prepare you for the marathon without beating you up and wearing you down and killing you! I’d love to follow along as you train!! If you have questions just find me on FB or my blog!! Good luck!