First Full Marathon

Equus5374

I've just registered for my first full marathon in October of next year. It's a good ways away so I feel I have more than adequate time to train. My plan is to run a half marathon once a month starting in March (or April, weather permitting). I struggle to keep an effective training schedule in the winter months because running in the cold makes it hard for me to breathe. However I do belong to a good gym and plan to do much cross training (swimming, lifting, HIIT). Of course, I want to do everything I can to not get injured. I've run four half marathons in the past year and started to feel a little hip pain after the final one (muscle issue I think).

Looking for advice from other runners (the running forums aren't frequented), especially nutritionally.

TavistockToad

What's your current weekly mileage?

AllanMisner

As for training, I am glad to see that you’re cross-training. Resistance training will definitely help you avoid injury. When it gets warm enough for you, start on a running program that slowly progresses your weekly mileage. These programs will typically have you doing only one “long” run each week and a few “short” runs during the week.

As for nutrition, seek balance. If you can avoid the gels and other crap during the run, you’ll be better off for it. Most people have sufficient glycogen stores to complete the marathon, but habit and misinformation have them believing otherwise. Carbing up is a myth.

Above all, when you’re training and then running the race, have good shoes (fitted for you and your running style) and focus on using good running form. Efficiency typically means safety (injury prevention) when running.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)

MeanderingMammal

Equus5374 wrote: »

Looking for advice from other runners (the running forums aren't frequented), especially nutritionally.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/94-long-distance-runners Is probably your best bet as the most active running forum. In here you'll largely get fairly generic advice, some of which will come from non-runners.

Main question, as upthread, is what your current mileage is and what sort of paces you've been getting in your HMs?

There's also a question about what your objectives are going to be?

Equus5374

I anticipate finishing a full marathon in a little more than 5 hours. My current half times have been around 2:20. I've cut a little more than 10 minutes off my first HM time. My current mileage is low because I wanted to rest for a while, mentally and physically, after my last half. I'm doing about 10-15 a week now, with a lot of cross training days. I followed a really good plan for my halves and I plan to use that same trainer's plan for my full. Additionally, I joined a quality running club that is known for helping first-timers. I like to chew on gummy bears during my long runs, mostly for fun (and yumminess).

Equus5374

Oh, I should add that this marathon I'm doing is in October of next year.