When you sign up for a marathon, whether it’s your first or your 20th, it’s easy to get excited and want to jump right into training. Before you do that, here are a few things to do before you start building up that mileage.
5 Things to Do Before Starting Marathon Training
Whatever your experience, however long your actual plan, here are five things that should be done before starting marathon training.
Register for the race - check. Make the plan - check. What else? Here are 5 things to do before starting #marathon training. #runningClick To Tweet
1. Register
There’s nothing like actually registering for the race to make you feel committed to the training.
2. Build a Base
Before you start the actual training, take the time to build a strong endurance base. Don’t worry about speed yet, just about building up those miles. I like to start my marathon training plan when I have a base long run of 10 miles and a total weekly mileage base of around 25 miles.
Building a Running Base: What it is and Why it’s Important
3. Make the Plan
Whether you hire a coach, use an internet program, or create your own, making a plan for marathon training is vital. It will be your guideline for the next 12 to 16 weeks. Follow it and you will get the results you’re looking for. That means all of it, including rest, recovery, and tapering.
Learn about Coach Debbie’s Training Plans
Want to go it alone? Create Your Own Marathon Training Plan
4. Get Strong
Starting a regular strength training program before you start your marathon training will ensure that you are strong, well balanced, and injury-proofed before you start adding on mileage. A good plan will include exercises to strengthen your core and your glutes.
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While the level and intensity of your strength training may change during marathon training, it should continue throughout to keep your muscles balanced and help prevent injury.
5. Take a Health Inventory
Marathon training is strenuous and tough on your body. In addition to all of the things above, make sure that you are physically healthy, getting enough sleep, and eating a nutritious diet before you begin. If you are currently fighting an injury, this is probably not the time to train for a marathon. Get healthy first, then start the process above.
Are you currently training, or in pre-training, for a marathon? Are you excited about racing again? Do you have anything to add?
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These are great tips, Debbie! I’ll be starting marathon training (Boston in April) in January. I’m looking forward to it – but I’m also wary of the hectic schedule and exhaustion that comes along with it. Being on a good sleep schedule really helps!
I think getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can so during training.
These are such important tips! Going into a marathon prepared really sets you up for success.
There is a lot more to marathon training than just running more. It’s good to plan ahead.
Base building is so important before starting to train for any long distance race
Definitely. Having a good base is very important for half marathons too.
All of these things! It’s super important to recognize if you have the desire to take on 26.2 because once you’re in… oh, you are IN.
I don’t see another marathon in my future, but I am so excited for everyone who races them!
You never know!