The first thing I did was go to my local running store and get fitted for a good pair of running shoes. After all your feet are the most important thing to a runner, they are what carry you all of those miles you need to go to train for a full marathon. A good pair of running shoes should cost anywhere from $75 to $200 dollars. Do not skimp here, you will be sorry later. Pick a reputable store to get your shoes at. The one that I bought mine at gave me a 60 day return policy in case you get out there a running and something begins to hurt. I am actually on my 3rd style of shoe. It took 3 tries and over 300 miles of running to find the perfect shoes.
Along with shoes, proper running clothes are important too. You should get good sox that are made for running. They will keep your feet dry and help to prevent athlete's foot and other foot disorders. Running tops and shorts make the difference between being soaking wet with sweat or running comfortably and dry. Running clothes are made of special fabrics that "wick" the moisture from your skin keeping you dry and comfortable. I like to run with compression tights; full length in the winter and Capri's in the summer. They seem to keep my muscles warm and firm.
Now that you are properly dressed, don't forget about hydration. Running makes you sweat and when we sweat we are depleting our bodies of the fluids we need to run successfully. So be sure to get some sort of water bottle or belt to carry water or hydration liquids with you. I find that I need about 10 oz of fluid per mile run.
Is it time to run yet? Yes it is. So where do we go, and how far? Can I put in my miles on the treadmill? Well the answers to these questions are in a good training program. I found one that fit into my schedule and was determined to do it. Determination is probably the most important part of any marathon-training program. You must be determined to put in the miles other wise come race day you just may be disappointed. The program I chose had 4 days a week of running, two days of rest and one of cross training. I averaged about 30 to 35 miles a week of running, but not from the beginning. I had to work up to that mileage. A good training program will not increase the mileage by more than 10 percent per week. The longest run I did was a 20 miler. That was considered the "dress rehearsal" before the race.
I chose to do my running on the sidewalk or running/bike trails. I figured I better get used to running on the same type of material that I would be racing on. The treadmill is fine for maybe one run a week or during in climate weather, but it should not be used completely. On rest days be sure that you rest. It is important for your muscles to rebuild what the running has torn apart. The rest days are what make you stronger and able to increase your mileage. On cross training days do something that uses muscles other than your running muscles. I choose cycling. It uses different muscles than when you run, but also helps to build up stamina. Swimming is another good choice for cross training.
I found that getting through that first Marathon is not just in the training. It is also in your mind. You must be able to see yourself cross that finish line. Be determined to do it and just keep on running when you hit that wall at say mile 20 or 21. Hopefully if you stick to your training program you will be running across that finish line with a smile and little pain!
Fran Prisco chooses running as her form of exercise and relaxation. She has completed several Marathons and Half Marathons. For more information visit http://www.squidoo.com/Marathon-Training-1
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