The motivation to run a marathon often stems from the runner's desire to test himself. You may wish to challenge yourself or demonstrate your mettle. Maybe you've been convinced to do it by a pal. Perhaps you have certain goals in mind, such as shedding some pounds, improving your health, or bringing more attention to a worthy cause.
Whatever your motivation, you'll want to keep it close and bring it up regularly in the months ahead. Keeping your motivation up will ensure that you leave the house even if your legs are tired or the weather is bad.
Training for a Marathon: What to Expect
The key to preparing for a marathon is to run a sufficient number of miles each week so that your body becomes acclimated to the activity over time. If you're just getting started with running, you might want to start with a total of 24 to 32 kilometers each week and work your way up to 56 to 64 kilometers on your peak week.
Runners with greater experience may begin their weekly training at 56 km and work up to 80 km or more. Don't pick a strategy that would boost your volume by more than 10% in the first week. If you typically run 32 miles in a week, don't start a new training plan with a goal of running more than 35 kilometers in the first week.
Your weekly long run at a slow, "conversational" pace that steadily adds distance from week to week is the most crucial component of your preparation. The extra time on your feet will assist your body and mind be ready for the 42 kilometers you'll be running on race day. Most Marathon training schedules culminate in a long run of between 28 and 32 kilometers. The majority of trainers advise against training by running a full marathon, as they see the risks as being greater than the advantages.
Importance of using a training program
If you want to run a half marathon or a full marathon, you need a training plan. A training calendar, like a study schedule or a job schedule, helps you stay on track and motivated as you work to achieve your objectives.
Keeping yourself motivated and maximizing your performance on race day is possible with a well-thought-out training plan that incorporates a variety of runs across varying distances, times, locations, directions, terrains, and intensities.
Informing others that you're training for a race is a great way to keep yourself motivated. They will be curious as to how your preparations are going and will ask you about it. They are more likely to respect your time and be happy for you because you have told them that you require time on Wednesday afternoons or Sunday mornings for your long runs.
