What is the Best Training Method for Marathon Runners?

What’s the Best Marathon Training Method?

Key Tips for Marathon Training

We’ve compiled a list of seven essentials that are beneficial to help you find the best training method for you. There will always be lots of advice out there about how to train, including a variety of answers to the question: what is the best training method for marathon runners? This list is a great kick-off point for anyone considering doing a marathon.

• Start with a Shoe Fitting – Find your local running store and get a proper shoe fitting for running shoes. This is an essential first step! If you’ve had your shoes for over six months, head into the running store and replace your shoes. Better yet, get two pairs of shoes, one for shorter distances such as speed work training, and one for distance training. At St. Pete Running Company, our one-of-a-kind StrideSmart Shoe Fitting is a free and comprehensive look at your running and biomechanics. We factor in past injuries and future goals.

• Set a Goal – Speaking of goals, once you have a great pair of running shoes from your local running store, that’s a great time to find a marathon race and sign up. Be sure to keep in mind how much time you have to train for the race. It’s best to give yourself at least six months to properly train. When you’re determining a goal for race performance, give yourself a lot of grace for that distance. A lot can happen over the course of 26.2 miles! It’s great to set a goal time for your race, but it’s also a good idea to make that a range, especially if it’s your first marathon.
• Make a Plan – It doesn’t matter if you’re running your first marathon or if you’re training for your fiftieth. One of the most important aspects of marathon training involves planning for the race. The plan can involve your weekly running schedule, a list of running coaches you’re going to contact, mapping out the routes you intend to run, making a nutrition plan, etc. Even spending time researching the race itself, such as the need for airfare or a hotel stay, is all part of making your plan. This is one of the ways you’ll discover some of your own best training methods.

• Create a Training Plan – Your running coach will do this part for you (which is amazing!), but if you choose not to utilize a running coach, it will be up to you to find the best training plan for your goals. There are many resources and many types of training plans to choose from, so make sure you’re searching through trusted sources. And then actually follow that training plan!
• Incorporate Speed Work – This is often an overlooked aspect of marathon training, especially for those who decide not to hire a running coach. But speed work (not to be confused with sprinting) is one of the best factors at play when it comes to increasing your race day pace and learning how to maintain your speed over long distances. St. Pete Running Company hosts a track program on Wednesdays at Northside Christian School (7777 62nd Ave N, St. Pete). You’re welcome to try it out for free (first timers only). We have two different options every Wednesday: 5:30 AM workout or 6:30 PM workout. The program is for all levels of runners, and you don’t have to be fast to come to track training.

• Celebrate your Victories – You’ll definitely be celebrating after the race, but you don’t have to wait! Be purposeful about celebrating in small ways for the little successes that you have along the way. Did your training run take you the farthest distance you’ve ever run before today? Celebrate that! Give yourself “treats” while being careful about your overall nutrition, of course. And it doesn’t have to be a food-related treat. Come into St. Pete Running Company and tell us one of your little victories on your road to your marathon race, and we’ll take a photo with you and put it up on our social media so that all of our followers will celebrate you, too!