Marathon Training Should Start Now January 15, 2010

Topics: Running, Fitness

Less than 30 days remain until the Austin Marathon and Half-marathon on Feb. 14, 2010. If you haven't signed up yet, you better hurry as the half-marathon has less than 300 spots open, while the full marathon has roughly 900 spots open. Not only is the Austin race the greenest race in North America, it's also listed as a Must-Do race by Runner's World Magazine.

If you haven't started training for either race you may want to put this race on your calendar for next year. Trainers recommend at least one month of training for each mile that you plan to run. For a marathon, you can cut down the time depending on the type of training you are doing. Frequency, duration and intensity all play into how fast you can get fit, as well as how fast you can recover before the next run. If this is your first time to attempt 13.1 or 26.2 miles we recommend joining a local training group or hiring a local trainer.

"Every one of today's marathoners were at one time yesterday's beginners," said Paul Carrozza, owner of Runtex. "For so many, thinking about running a marathon is the motivator to get started. No one brags about climbing the little hill but they do brag about climbing the mountain. So, yes, you can be the marathoner of tomorrow by starting today. Set your sights on a 5K and then work up to a 10K, a 20K, then a half-marathon and eventually a full marathon. As a rough gauge, plan for one month of training for every mile you plan to race. For example, if you're starting fresh from the couch, then plan on at least 24 - 26 months of training to make it to the big race."

If you are already a consistent 10K runner and have been training for those, you can probably work up to the half-marathon in the time you have left if you have the recommended number of months of running completed. If not, set your sights on a half-marathon later in the year in another community or get started planning for next year's Austin event. At the end of this story, you'll find a list of fee-based marathon training programs that includes many already underway. It's too late this year to join one of those, but keep them in mind for next year.<

Free Distance Running Programs

Cost-based Distance Running Programs

Tri Zones Training Half Marathon Training Program. Our half marathon training program will have you ready for the 3M Half Marathon and/or the Austin Marathon.

All group workouts are run workouts at the track, where team members will enhance running form, increase speed, and improve endurance. Our fall/winter training schedule will emphasize the benefits of cross-training in a fun team environment.

Tri Zones welcomes runners at all levels of training, but you should comfortably be able to run at least 5 - 6 miles before beginning our half marathon training program. You should comfortably be able to run 8 miles before beginning our marathon training program.

Texas Iron Half Marathon and Full Marathon Training Program.. Whether you are looking to complete your first half marathon or full marathon, or you are an experienced runner, Texas Iron will help you reach your goals in a positive and hard working environment.

The Texas Iron half marathon and marathon run program includes two coached workouts a week and a detailed workout plan to follow outside of group workouts. The group will meet Tuesday evenings at Barton Springs and Sunday mornings for the long run workout.

Galloway Austin Half Marathon Training Program. This is a 15 week training program to prepare you for the National Breast Cancer or Austin Half Marathon.

This program trains using Jeff Galloway's run/walk method with a walk break every run segment. Walk breaks allow you to run longer, feel better after the workout and most important remain injury free while training.

This will be a Saturday and Sunday Training Program with your choice of day to meet for our group runs. The group will meet on Saturday or Sunday mornings for group runs and you will run two additional days on your own. You will also receive a weekly workout including the best training tips available.

Official Statesman Cap10K Training Programs. Get a jump on the new year by preparing for the 33rd Annual Statesman Capitol 10,000. Official training programs are accepting registration now through January 31. Make a healthy choice to get fit in 2010 and let the Cap10K Training professionals help you get off the couch and get you to finish your first 10K.

The 12 to 13-week training programs for the Statesman Cap10K will begin in January 2010 and conclude in April. Every training program will be coach guided for a minimum of 1-hour at least once a week (length of session varies by program). Each session will include an informational seminar, stretching, plyometric drills, group lead run/walk and a weekly training schedule.

Gibert's Gazelles. The fastest gazelles in the wild first start out with slow, uncertain steps. Just like true gazelles, the fastest runners must also start out on a solid, steady course to perfection. In November a series of classes will commence where you will learn to master the running fundamentals required to kick start your running prowess. Gilbert's coaching staff will introduce drills, skills, and other techniques to put you on the fast track, focusing on the biomechanics, strength & endurance which form the basis for the Gazelles training program philosophies.

Rogue Training Systems for Basic Training for Marathon & Half Marathons. This 12 week program gives beginner runners the base to start marathon or half marathon training. Runners will be running 5 miles at a comfortable pace by the end of the program, which is the minimum requirement to begin the Rogue Austin marathon program on September 5th. This program focuses on the four elements of: strength, endurance, speed and technique, teaching beginners how to run and how to adapt running into daily life.