Ready for Marathon Training?
Race season is right around the corner, and many runners are ready to sign up or have already signed up for a marathon. But even if you’re not signing up for a race, you might be wondering how to start training for a marathon. Wherever you are in your marathon journey, a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, we’ve got some tips for you as the fall race season kicks off.
What is a Marathon?
First of all, what is a marathon? The race distance is 26.2 miles, or 42 kilometers. The race origins are fascinating and ancient. It began with the story of Pheidippides, who announced the battle victory for the Greeks over the Persians after racing from the city of Marathon to Athens in 490 B.C. The first modern Olympic games included a marathon in 1896. The first time women ran the marathon in the Olympics was in 1984. Over the decades, the popularity of the marathon has grown exponentially.
Tips for How to Start Training for a Marathon
So, the question then becomes, where to start? If you’re not sure, we highly recommend starting with a great pair of running shoes.
- Get a Proper Shoe Fitting – Before you start marathon training, it’s best to get fitted for running shoes. There are a variety of factors to consider when buying walking and running shoes. Some of those factors include neutral versus stability shoes, heel to toe drop differentials, cushioning systems and levels, all of which can be explained in detail by a shoe expert at St. Pete Running Company as they walk you through a StrideSmart Shoe Fitting.
- Set up your running schedule ahead of time – There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to planning and scheduling the runs you will do for marathon training. You’ll find lots of great advice when you search online, but that advice may not apply to the demands of your schedule. We’re happy to help if you call (727-800-5043) or come into St. Pete Running Company to talk about your marathon training schedule. Ultimately, it’s important to make a schedule because having the run on your calendar will make you that much more likely to get up and do the workout rather than skipping workouts because they’re not on your calendar.
- Consider hiring a coach – Along the same lines, hiring a coach can help you tailor workouts to your specific needs and goals, which a general online search doesn’t do for you. At St. Pete Running Company, we have a variety of coaching options available. For more information about coaching, visit https://stpeterunningco.com/coaching.
- Remember that walking is still moving – There is no shame in walking during a marathon, and there are great benefits to walking at times during marathon training. Every runner is different, and every runner has different goals. Some runners just want to cross the finish line, while others are striving for a personal best, or a Boston qualifying time. While you plan marathon training, it’s a great idea to plan walking into that schedule, even for short periods of the workout.
- Find a Running Group – When you join a group of walkers and runners, the accountability helps you stay consistent, the camaraderie encourages you to keep going, and you just might make some friends for life.
Join Group Runs at St. Pete Running Company
At St. Pete Running Company, there are free group runs every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 PM. This is a welcoming community of walkers and joggers. We typically head out on the Pinellas Trail together for about a 5K distance, but you are also welcome to run or walk whatever distance you’d like to do. For more info about Group Runs at St. Pete Running Company, visit https://stpeterunningco.com/group-runs.
If you’re still wondering how to start training for a marathon, we can help! Come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
