I ran ten miles off and on last year (I ran seven or eight miles pretty consistently). I'm thinking about cranking it up to the next level this year. I figure if I push it and end up attempting a marathon, I'd better study it out and actually figure out a smart training schedule (last year it was just run when I felt like it). Any advice? Any thing you did wrong that you can help me avoid? Diet, nutrition, training, water bottles, watches, clothes, heart monitors. Any info about anything would be appreciated.

P.S. Anyone else thinking about attempting some long-distance runs this year? We can chronicle our highs and suffering together here. <---my tough self before a run. <---the way I usually look afterwards.

start at one end and stop at the finish







Seriously I would have loved to try a marathon, but my knees are shot now. Bikes for me now..

Quoted: start at one end and stop at the finish Seriously I would have loved to try a marathon, but my knees are shot now. Bikes for me now..

I have a buddy who is a serious biker. Some of the training techniques that he uses seem like they'd work pretty good for running too. He told me to go get a heart monitor and start training based on my maximum heart rate. He also recommended a nutrition book by Chris Carmikel (sp?). Food for Fitness...or something like that. Half the fun or attempting some long runs will be learning about this stuff.

how about dont?

Get use to throwing up.

Find the most specialized running shoe store in your area; they will probably be one of the sponsors for all the running races in your neck of the woods. Stop by the shop, chat 'em up, buy a good pair of shoes if yours are worn out.  Tell them what you are planning and ask if they have a program that will take a runner of your level through a full marathon. Follow a good program that's based on a mileage base, rest days, and a long run once a week. Listen to your body/feet. (watch for injuries) People who follow programs with a bit of flexibility have a strong probability of finishing. If a running partner helps ... get one, but make sure they are as committed as you. Good luck.  FWIW, I never did a full one, never had enough hours to train but when I was doing 4-6 miles 5-6 times a week I ran 13.3 non-stop one night to answer my own question that I could. You can do one.    Stay safe

Train well in advance.  I ran one after a cross country season and three weeks of additional training; ended up with some torn muscles in my left quad.  The shoe adivce is good.  But biking uses different muscles than running, so that will actually be to your detrement.   If you can, find an experienced marathon runner to help you train and answer questions.  I did a plan that called for runs 3x weekly and it worked well.  

Most plans will have you run at most 20 miles at a time.  The last 6 of the marathon will be hard because you're probably never run farther and they just plain hurt.  

Like was said, listen to your body.

Happy training and good luck.

ETA: You might want to start by competing in a half marathon before the real deal.  Also, when you're picking a race to do, take into consideration hills, climate, conditions, etc.  Some will even say that they are or aren't good for first-timers.

most areas have running clubs, and they usually have training programs/groups (of varying levels) for marathons. You'll typically do 3 runs per week on your own and one long run on the weekend with the group.

Look at the calendar....find a 10k and a half marathon to run before the marathon. It's good to have intermediate goals that involve actually participanting in an event.

Start working up your endurance.  Cool Runnings have some good tips.  I walk the water line(IE water and some of the power pudding.) and run the rest of the race.

It'll be fun.

Max

buy a golf cart

Little Chocolate Donuts.


Worked for John Belushi anyways.