For the past several weeks, I have been talking about getting started in an exercise program. Today, I'd like to talk about peaking for the marathon or half-marathon (not that a half is short, 13.1 miles is no mild run). How can getting started and running a long race be related, you may ask? It is just a matter of time.
Every one of today's marathoners were at one time yesterday's beginners. 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.
This year's 2007 AT&T Austin Marathon is just a couple of weeks away. There are not many things that you can do to improve your time at this point in training, but there are a lot of things you can do to really have a bad race. Below are some last minute tips to keep those of you who are running on track.
- Stick with your current plan.
- If you dont have a plan, stay with your routine.
- Don't get nervous and train extra hard to get ready.You shouldn't do a long run within two weeks of the marathon.
- Don't make any major changes in equipment, diet or training habits if things are going well.
- Don't confuse nerves with being sick or weak. Nerves make you feel sick or weak.
- If you are having trouble with equipment, now is the time to make adjustments.
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On your last long run, practice all the things that
will effect you race week.
- Practice the extra rest days
- Plan your power food
- Plan your hydration drinks
- Plan your sock, shorts, cold weather gear, shoes, etc
- Don't stop training and rest too much.
- Don't add new speed work trying to get speed. Only do speed work you are used to.
- Don't feel you have to run the distance before you run the distance
The best approach is to run the marathon with great respect. You should respect the distance, start slow, and you'll need to have all your physical and mental abilities intact when you begin. You have to get plenty of rest, eat really great healthy, wholesome food, treat yourself like a world class athlete and dont let the late nerves scare you. The nerves are your body reserving energy for the big dance. You just have to get through it.
Good luck and thanks to Seton's sponsorship, you will be in great hands along the way and when you finish.