So, are you going to run the first marathon of your life anytime soon and you are looking for do’s and don’ts to get running? Running a marathon is not as easy as the smiling selfies of the winners depict. Running for a long distance is for sure a tedious task and many who set out to run do not even complete half of it. So, how can you run without facing the embarrassment of pulling back midway? The only answer is to train to run the big run. Training is the way to go forth to run this 26.2 miles endurance race. If you fail to train, you have already proven to be a poor runner.
It is a known fact that running well that too for long distances cannot come abruptly. Among us are many who have started to run every Sunday and dropped the idea in a few weeks as we could not deal with the physical challenges the sport entails. An easy glance at the runners after a couple of miles into the run can give you a runner from a beginner. I am enlisting a few tips that can help you avoid some basic mistakes that most runners fall into and help you get all the areas related to training and the race covered.
Start Running
As I told you, preparing for a marathon begins much before the actual run, so get your sneakers out and start running. If you want to run a full marathon successfully, you should at least train to run half of it in your training cycle. It is true that you can start running casually and then run a full-fledged marathon within a few months, but the CAN must not be the SHOULD. You should train professionally for the marathon, although many people have run marathons just by preparing for it with small jogs but there is no guarantee that it would work for you as well.
Marathons are all about endurance and that does not mean that all those who run marathons do not face any injury. Even successful participants can face injury, but the ones who go into running without training can face much worse. Their probability of hitting injuries is just too obnoxious. Yes, you heard it right. Without training, the participants are at a very high risk of facing injuries.
You should start the training a minimum of 4 months before the actual run if you are not used to any form of physical training. You should start running as much as you can at a descent speed of 5 miles in an hour, to begin with. Slowly you must be running about 20-25 miles every week for a minimum of 3 months. If you can do this, you have covered half your run. This training is very important to get your body adapted to the needs of the run. Your body might ask you to give it up at first, but soon it will not only become strong but also give you a much better experience.
Get the Perfect Gear
Before even thinking about running, think about the gear that will help you run. Without a doubt, the shoes you wear should be the greatest of your consideration for starting the training and also the run itself. Your feet are not like the tyres of your car that can be replaced, but they are your God’s gift – treat them well.
Getting the perfect pair of running shoes might be a costly affair but if things go wrong with a cheaper pair, the costs involved in getting your body straight might be much higher. And why not apply the learning of the famous English proverb, “Prevention is better than cure”. You would certainly need other stuff and you may buy something that is just descent without the need of buying the most trendy and expensive stuff out there. You would need shorts, hats, shirts, water bottles etc.
Determine Your Goals
Everyone should keep the crossing of the finish line as their main and the most important goal. Aspiring more than this might not be the right idea for first-time runners. You will only end up troubling yourselves if you think about the time and other stuff, which would be too big a task. Remember, things come slowly; Rome was not built in a day!
Carve out a strong Training Plan
Sit with an expert coach and chalk out your plan. Alternatively, you might go and use the free plans available on the internet. Nike+ plan is a good plan that you can look into. Depending upon your lifestyle, time and habits, you should be able to determine one unique plan that you could effectively put into effect.
Get a Running Buddy
It is more than likely that if you run all alone you would fail the task. You might get overwhelmed with the strains involved in the training process particularly if you are completely new to running. Having a good, strong and motivated buddy to partner you is a great thing to have. You will practice together and motivate each other to give your best shot at the run. However, if you can find more people to join you, then that is just awesome. Your motivation and determination will just blossom with every session with your team.
