Congratulations!

You’ve decided to run your first marathon and joined the elite 0.01% club. Only 0.01% of the world’s population will run a marathon this year, so be proud of yourself for taking on this incredible challenge! 

Whether this is your first running event or you’ve been pounding the pavement for years, here are some tips to help you along the way. 

Training for a marathon is a significant commitment, both physically and mentally. Most training plans span 16 to 20 weeks, progressively increasing in volume and intensity. A great resource is the McMillan running calculator, which can help you craft a tailored training program based on your previous running performances. Keep in mind that every runner is unique, so don’t hesitate to adjust your plan as needed. If you have a longer running history, you might find that a shorter specific training block suffices. However, having ample time to prepare is always beneficial.

Your Training Plan: The Key to Success

A successful training plan should encompass several key elements:

• Frequency: Determine how many days a week you’ll run.

• Intensity: Assess how hard you’ll be training.

• Time: Plan the duration of your runs.

• Type: Incorporate various training methods.

Variety is vital! Mix up your distances, running durations, and intensity levels. Here’s a simple breakdown of training zones:

• Zone 1: Easy running or walking; if you feel fatigued, switch to walking.

• Zone 2: Endurance running; this should make up most of your training, focusing on building distance without excessive fatigue.

• Zone 3: Tempo runs; start comfortably and gradually push your limits. Beginners might start with alternating 5 minutes of tempo with 5 minutes of easy running.

• Zones 4/5: Interval training; engage in short, intense efforts followed by active recovery, like 3 minutes at 85% effort and then 2 minutes walking.

If creating a plan feels daunting, consider consulting a running coach or finding online training resources.

STRENGTH: The Often-Missed Powerhouse

Strength training plays a crucial role in enhancing performance and preventing injuries. Research shows it can reduce injury risk by up to 50-66% and boost performance by about 5%. Aim for two strength training sessions each week, adjusted according to your experience and current training cycle. Remember, allowing for adequate recovery is essential—give yourself at least 24 hours of rest before high-intensity runs.

RECOVERY: Train Hard, Recover Harder

Recovery is as vital as your training. Here are key components for effective recovery:

• Sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours each night.

• Hydration: Drink 2-4 liters of water daily.

• Nutrition: Ensure you meet your macronutrient needs to maintain weight, adding 300-500 calories during your training block. Prioritize protein for optimal recovery.

FUN: Keep It Enjoyable!

The most important thing you can do is keep the process enjoyable. Do it because you love it! And if you don’t love it, well, suck it up and get on with it—you signed up for this adventure. 

Sure, there will be times when training feels like a drag. Blisters, nipple chafing, broken nails, sore legs—the list goes on. But isn’t that all part of the challenge? Embrace it! 

Remember, the key is to keep the process fun and enjoyable. The worst thing you can do is overtrain and exhaust yourself, ruining the day altogether. Speaking from experience (I’ve made every mistake in the book despite knowing better), I urge you to keep enjoyment at the forefront of your mind when training. 

Believe it or not, this marathon isn’t the be-all and end-all. You can always run another one if you set your mind to it. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every moment of this journey!