Basic training outline:
You definitely need some running program. The more it will be tailored to you the better the outcome. Anyone can go online and google marathon training. But unfortunately you might be following some 40yo mum of 3 plan.
You will need to get comfortable with uncomfortable. As personal trainers love to point out "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" It might sound cheese but it is true. You might end up at some very uncomfortable places so you need to learn how to deal with them. And I am talking about your head. Your mind will be your biggest weapon but the biggest enemy too.
Get yourself a running buddy too. It works magic sometimes. As much as I love running by myself every now and then we are all humans and genetically pre-programmed to gather together with other humans and interact. Most of the clients I had in my time enjoyed running with other same minded people. It's called human nature I guess. Get yourself some good running shoes (this is the area where you don't want to save money and go cheap). Your body is your temple so look after it. I definitely recommend some decent running monitor/watch too. Can be a deal breaker. I have one. I don't really like running with my iPhone. Too heavy and too disturbing because it always goes off. If you are running you are there to run not to check your FB every 2 min.
You need something that measures: time, km, heart-rate, pace, distance.
- Get yourself as much tailored training program as you can
- Test yourself first. Run 5km flat for time and record it. Then later down the track re-test yourself on the same course again to see the progress.
- Keep the basic training diary
- Run flat, do sprints, run hills, run fast, run slow, run for distance, run for pace. A good training plan should have all of those in it (and a little more)
- Look after yourself
- Do mobility/stretch a lot. It has to be part of your training program. Every day!
- Eat healthy. Try different things and record what works for you.
Don't be scared to experiment a little with food at the beginning.
- Run in every weather
- If running with music is your thing do it. If not then don't.
- Get some good running shoes
- Use running watch and record runs
I would like to finish with one of my favourite quotes of all time.
It perfectly sums up what marathon training is about.
THE ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOAL IS THE BULLSHIT STORY YOU KEEP TELLING YOURSELF AS TO WHY YOU CANT ACHIEVE IT
Jordan Belfort
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
