Training For A Marathon: Three Things To Consider

Posted on: 6 March 2018

Running a marathon can be a rewarding experience, but it does require a considerable amount of training before race day. Here are a few things you can do to get started with a training program that will help you prepare for the race.

Plan A Training Schedule

You'll need to devote time each week to your training, so it's a good idea to look at your schedule to see how much time you can devote to training. You may want to shift some things around to make room for daily training sessions, such as waking up earlier to get in a run before getting ready for work. Determine how much time you have available, and use that as a starting point for your training. Remember that some of your race training will replace your regular workouts at the gym, so if you exercise normally, you may not have to add as much training time each week as you previously thought.

Hite A Personal Trainer

A personal trainer can help you devise an athletic training program that meets your needs. If possible, look for a trainer with experience preparing for marathons. Discuss your goals for the marathon to help the trainer devise a program. Some people, particularly first-time marathon runners, may simply want to set a goal to finish all 26.1 miles, while others may want to finish under a certain amount of time. Knowing what your goals are will make it easier to find the right program for you. If you only want to be able to say you completed the marathon, you can focus more on endurance and not as much on speed.

Consult With A Nutritionist

Even if you normally eat a healthy diet, consulting with a nutritionist can be essential for your training program. Your body needs different vitamins and nutrients when you undergo intense training, and a nutritionist can help you optimize your daily diet to provide the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients to keep you healthy and in good shape while you train. Be sure to consult with the nutritionist again when the race date approaches to ensure you are prepped and ready for the marathon. This is particularly important if you will be ramping up your training sessions in the days and weeks before the race.

Remember to make a plan for recovery in the days after the race. You may need to spend some time relaxing to help sore or tired muscles heal. If possible, try to take the day after the race off for recovery and self-care. For more information, contact a business such as Redline Athletics.

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