10 tips for successful marathon training
1. Stretching is not optional. Protect your body from injury by learning how to stretch properly and incorporating those stretches into every run, no matter how short.
2. Even the most devoted marathon runners take a day off each week. This is yet another way to protect your body from injury.
3. Don’t push through the pain. Pay attention to signals from your body that you need a break or that something is wrong.
4. Marathon runners don’t just race marathons. Incorporating shorter races like 5k’s, 10k’s into your marathon training schedule is an excellent way to prepare for the upcoming 26.2 miles.
5. Incorporate hills, even if your marathon course will be flat. Going uphill helps you train for increased power while going downhill is a lesson in speed.
6. You don’t have to run every single day to call yourself a runner. Cross training is valuable and can shake up your marathon routine so you never get bored.
7. Learn the time of day that your marathon will be raced and run some of your runs at that time. This is especially helpful if you are in the same climate and time zone as your marathon destination.
8. Wear your marathon gear in during marathon training runs. There should be nothing new on your body come race day. You want to know that everything works properly and feels comfortable.
9. Work your marathon training schedule into your daily life. A set routine will ensure your loved ones are not neglected and your training sessions actually happen as planned.
10. Get ready and willing to adjust your routine and change your marathon running schedule as needed. You will be training for a long period of time and success will depend on your ability to bend when things change or special circumstances come up.
