Anyone training for a Marathon or upcoming race?

nyy03

I'm training for half marathons in May and October, and my first full in November. Can't wait!

Are you doing anything different in your training for the full? I'm currently training for a half in May and want to do a full in Oct as well.

vonalj

I am training for the Pittsburgh full marathon! 8wks left! Hope its possible!

Karna6e

I am training for the Pittsburgh full marathon! 8wks left! Hope its possible!

Same here! Just the half though.

gym_rat

I find it so hard to stick to a training program. I am fine sticking to the long runs on the weekends but sometimes the weekday runs call for such short runs - 3-5 miles - and I want to just keep going.

SatelliteCrush80

I'm training for half marathons in May and October, and my first full in November. Can't wait!

Are you doing anything different in your training for the full? I'm currently training for a half in May and want to do a full in Oct as well.

I'm planning to take it easy after my half in May for a couple weeks, and then start one of the Hal Higdon training programs for my full. Those programs are about 18 weeks long, so my half in October should fit in perfectly for when I start tapering. Good luck!

jenmonkee

Help! I need some real advice and direction for my goals. I want to do a marathon October 17th. I started running 2 weeks ago at the gym. I am trying to build up my endurance first, slowly adding time, which in turn will add distance. I am not worried about food yet, I am still losing weight. But I know there will come a time when I need to be eating the right foods at the right times. So I guess my questions are:

How often should I be running?
How far should I be able to run to know that I can complete the marathon?
What are the most recommended foods to aid in me un my journey?
What are common mistakes people make?
What is the best advice you have ever recieved in order to train for such an amazing event?

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Jen

gym_rat

Help! I need some real advice and direction for my goals. I want to do a marathon October 17th. I started running 2 weeks ago at the gym. I am trying to build up my endurance first, slowly adding time, which in turn will add distance. I am not worried about food yet, I am still losing weight. But I know there will come a time when I need to be eating the right foods at the right times. So I guess my questions are:

How often should I be running?
How far should I be able to run to know that I can complete the marathon?
What are the most recommended foods to aid in me un my journey?
What are common mistakes people make?
What is the best advice you have ever recieved in order to train for such an amazing event?

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Jen

I wouldn't run more than 4 times a week if you are just starting out. Once you get closer to the actual marathon, you should do at least one 20 mile run to prepare yourself. There are a lot of programs out there and the one I am following calls for 3 twenty mile runs before the actual marathon The most recommended foods... I always eat a big carb dinner the night before a long run like pasta. The most common mistakes new runners make is that t hey go out too strong and try to do too much too soon. Make sure you rest and do dynamic stretches before a run (no static stretches). The best advice... well, I have only done a few half marathons so far and this is my first marathon. The best advice so far is to PACE yourself and don't go out too fast. It's so easy to get caught up in the race mentality and the energy and then burn out too soon.

jenmonkee

Thanks Gym_Rat..all solid suggestions! I will keep those in mind and apply it towards my goal! Good luck with you marathon
Jen

twilightgirl12345

i am getting ready to do the ms walk i do it every year for my friend that has ms it is 12 miles and i have done 12 miles every year i am hopeing that i am still in shape enough to finish the 12 miles again this year

taryn_perry

Help! I need some real advice and direction for my goals. I want to do a marathon October 17th. I started running 2 weeks ago at the gym. I am trying to build up my endurance first, slowly adding time, which in turn will add distance. I am not worried about food yet, I am still losing weight. But I know there will come a time when I need to be eating the right foods at the right times. So I guess my questions are:

How often should I be running?
How far should I be able to run to know that I can complete the marathon?
What are the most recommended foods to aid in me un my journey?
What are common mistakes people make?
What is the best advice you have ever recieved in order to train for such an amazing event?

I would definitely run no more than 4 x's a week, like gym_rat mentioned, although making that 4th run a longer endurance run. One that increases in distance each week, although tapers every couple weeks. There are a ton of excellent running schedules out there, likely for the exact race you are running as well. If you can run 2-3 20 mile distances (over a span of the 6 month training) you have that marathon in the bag. Adrenaline will kick in as you start to smell that finish line. TRUST ME!! Be sure you nourish yourself with wholesome foods. Not the quick easy grab-n-go type stuff. But do a carb load the night before a longer run, to be sure you have enough energy stored to get you through. YOu'll also want to eat a little something before your longer runs. A commons mistake people make, is they don't strength training. I think it's ESSENTIAL in building up stamina and endurance. Especially in doing core strenght. I would recommend doing a strength training program at least, 3 x's a week, to accompany your runs, but also consider doing an interval cardio workout that involved a bit of plyometrics. That will do wonders in building up your leg strength and build your fast and short twitch muscle fibers. I used P90X to train for my first marathon, and it did me wonders. Crossed the finish line in 4 hours...check out my blog article at the top of this post to read my experience. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Best of luck to you!