Marathon Training and Advice for Beginners

Running a marathon is an incredible goal for runners, but marathon training and the race itself is not something to be taken lightly. While many healthy individuals can complete a marathon with proper training and commitment, it's not recommended that any runners jump right into the marathon distance (26.2 miles or 42K).

If you've never trained for any kind of endurance event, you should work on building your running base mileage for at least six months before you start thinking about training for a marathon. Once you've established a regular running habit and are running three to four days a week, it's a good idea to get your feet wet by racing a shorter distance race, like a 5K (3.1 miles) or a 10K (6.2 miles).

Many runners like to run a half marathon before taking on the full marathon. Getting some race experience is good preparation for your marathon and will get you excited to start your training.

Choose a Marathon

Once you have at least six months of running (a year is even better) and a few shorter races under your belt, start thinking about which marathon you want to train for. Consider whether you want to run a big or small marathon and if you want to travel to another city (perhaps even an international destination) or stay close to home.

Browse through the listings and reviews of marathons at MarathonGuide.com to get some ideas of where you might want to run. If you're looking for a marathon in the United States, check out these lists:

• Big-City U.S. Marathons
• Bucket List Marathons
• Fall U.S. Marathons
• Fast U.S. Marathons
• Spring U.S. Marathons
• Winter U.S. Marathons

Prepare for Training

Before you get started with marathon training, make sure you're prepared. Even if you've already been running, check with your doctor and let them know your plans to train for and run a marathon.

Gear

While you don't need to buy lots of expensive gear, the right running shoes are an important investment. Getting running shoes that are suitable for your running style, foot type, and level of experience will help you run comfortably and injury-free. Finding the right sports bra is also very important to stay comfortable while running.

You'll also need a good water bottle or hydration belt to hydrate during runs.

Weather

No matter where you live or where your marathon takes place, you'll likely be training through different seasons and types of weather. Take some time to research what's involved with running in hot, cold, or rainy conditions. If you plan to run a marathon in a climate or altitude different from your own, you'll need to account for that in your training.

Use a Training Schedule

Once you've established a running base of about 15 miles a week, you can get started with a beginner marathon training schedule. This schedule is geared towards runners whose goal is to simply finish the marathon. If you prefer to use a run/walk strategy for training and completing your marathon, try this run/walk marathon training schedule.

If you find those marathon training plans to be too easy for your level, check out more marathon training schedules. Yasso 800s are a popular workout among runners who are trying to achieve a specific marathon goal.

Plan Nutrition and Hydration

If you already eat a healthy diet, you don't have to make too many changes when you start training for a marathon. The recommendations for distance runners are not that different than nutritional guidelines for non-runners.

Many marathoners-in-training wonders if it's necessary to take supplements or vitamins during training, but it's actually better to get your nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements. You can talk to your doctor to find out if you have any deficiencies that would require supplementation.

Pre-Run Eating

It's important to make sure that you're properly fueled for your runs to get the most out of them. Try to eat a snack or light meal of about 250 to 300 calories about one and a half to two hours before you start running.

Choose something high in carbohydrates and lower in fat, fiber, and protein. Some examples of good pre-workout fuel include a bagel with peanut butter, a banana, and an energy bar, or a bowl of cold cereal with a cup of milk. Avoid rich, very fatty, or high-fiber foods, as they may cause gastrointestinal distress.

Post-Run Eating

After running, especially a long run, you want to replenish energy as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that muscles are most receptive to rebuilding glycogen (stored glucose) stores within the first 30 minutes after exercise. If you eat soon after your runs, you can reduce muscle stiffness and soreness.

You'll want to consume primarily carbs, but don't ignore protein. A good rule of thumb for post-run food is a ratio of 1 gram of protein to 3 grams of carbs. Nutrition bars, such as Power bars or Luna bars, are convenient options. Other examples would be a bagel with peanut butter or a smoothie made with fruit and yogurt.

Long Run Nutrition

Long runs have their own special nutrition and hydration requirements, so make sure you're prepared heading into your long runs. For example, you'll need to make sure you drink sports drinks to replace sodium lost through sweat during runs longer than 90 minutes.

You'll also have to consume calories during your long runs and marathon since you'll be burning through your glycogen storage. A basic rule is that you should be taking in about 100 calories after about an hour of running and then another 100 calories every 40 to 45 minutes after that.

You may need more depending on your size and speed, so make sure you plan to carry extra food or gels. If you're feeling hungry or low on energy, you can definitely eat "off-schedule."

Head Off Running Challenges

Training for a marathon requires not only physical and mental strength but incredible dedication, especially when dealing with the following challenges. These are some challenges that you might encounter. Planning for them in advance can help you manage them more easily.

Long Runs

Your most important training run each week is your long run, which you'll most likely run on either Saturdays or Sundays. You'll gradually increase the distance of your long run each week, usually by no more than one or two miles per week, to make sure you're physically and mentally ready for the distance and avoid the risk of injuries.

The main purposes of your long run are to build your endurance, practice spending lots of time on your feet, teach your body to burn fat as fuel, and to build physical and mental strength in preparation for the marathon. Follow long run tips to help make them easier and more comfortable and to get the most out of your long runs.

Injuries and Illnesses

Most running injuries can be prevented by wearing proper shoes, stretching post-run, and not doing too much too soon. However, despite your best injury prevention efforts, you may have to deal with some common running injuries. The good news is that many running injuries respond well to self-treatment.

Motivation and Mental Prep

Marathon training is a long process, and sometimes your motivation to get out there and run may be lacking. Follow running motivation tips to help keep you going.

One thing you'll probably hear from veteran marathon runners is that so much of the race is mental. Yes, the mental aspects of running 26.2 miles can be just as difficult as the physical challenge. Use mental preparation to help get you through the 26.2 miles. If you're dealing with some pre-race anxiety, try some strategies for dealing with pre-race jitters.

Prepare for the Event

As race day nears, you'll want to ease off training a bit to let your body rest and take other steps to prepare for the big day.

Begin Tapering

The tapering period is a critical part of your marathon training. During the last couple of weeks of your training, it's important that you taper, or cut back your mileage, to give your body and mind a chance to rest, recover, and prepare for your marathon. Follow the general tapering guidelines for the two-week period before your marathon.

Pack in Advance

The days leading up to marathon day can be anxiety-ridden. If your marathon is out of town, it's important to start packing early, so you make sure you don't forget anything. Follow this marathon packing list for a guide to everything you need. Packing early and starting to get everything ready will help ease some of your anxiety.

Rest and Destress

Many marathon runners have trouble sleeping the night before their race. Try not to stress about it—as long as you get a decent sleep in the week leading up to your marathon, and especially two nights before the race, you'll be well-rested for the race. If you have pre-race insomnia, lay in bed and force yourself to at least rest your body.

You should rest and stay off your feet as much as possible. The day before a marathon is also not the time to experiment with any new foods. Stick to your tried-and-true pre-long run favorites so you won't have any surprises on marathon day. The morning of the marathon can be especially nerve-wracking.

Make Race-Day Plans

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the starting line so you have time to use the bathroom, check your bag, and line up properly. Get your friends and family on board to give you good support at the marathon. Give them a copy of the racecourse map and tell them your estimated pace (using our calculator below) so they'll know when to expect to see you.

Use Race Day Strategies

Running a marathon is a tremendous mental challenge because it requires you to push through mental barriers and to make smart, strategic decisions through the race. One of the biggest mistakes first-time marathoners make is that they start out the race too fast.

You'll definitely feel good during those first few miles, so it's tempting to push the pace. But you'll pay for it in the later miles. Avoid starting out too fast or hitting the wall.

Enjoy Recovery

Your marathon recovery starts the second you cross that finish line. How you take care of yourself in the hours following the race can determine how quickly you'll recover.

For example, it's important that you hydrate and eat something soon after you cross the finish line. You also want to walk around for at least 10 minutes to bring your heart rate down safely and avoid the risk of blood pooling in your legs.

Try to resist the urge to immediately plop down on the ground—your legs will stiffen up right away if you do. You can follow additional recovery tips to help with your marathon recovery.