Austin Marathon Training
Posted: August 12, 2008
About Marathoning
The marathon originated almost 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. After the Greeks defeated the Persians in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, a Greek soldier, Pheidippides, ran from Marathon to Athens to spread the good news. The story goes that Pheidippides ran the entire distance without stopping. He relayed his message to the Athenians, then dropped dead from exhaustion.
Prior to 1896, the marathon was 24.85 miles long. Its length has often increased, finally reaching 26.2 miles in 1924. The marathon distance has become increasingly more popularity with people who never, or only occasionally, run. Last year, 410,000 people completed various marathons. Compare that to 25,000 in 1976 and you will see how popular and integrated marathons are becoming.
Running a marathon requires both physical and mental strength, immense focus, commitment and time. However, if you make the commitment, you will find that completing a marathon will be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life.
Step 1: Getting Started
Whether it's a New Year's resolution or something fun and exciting to do, training to run a marathon will test your physical limits and stretch the boundaries of your endurance. Before you hit the pavement and before you purchase equipment, you must first formulate a plan and educate yourself on all aspects of marathon training. It is similar to planning a trip. Once you find out where you want to go you have to figure out how to get there. In this case, if you want to get to the finish line, at least six months of training is how to get there.
- Set your date. The Austin Marathon is on February 15th, 2009.
- Allow yourself between five to six months to train if you are a novice runner. Rogue Running offers a tried a true training program that has prepared over 4,000 people for the Austin Marathon. Check out more about Rogue Marathon Training program.
- Start running regularly for at least 30 minutes without stopping. It will be extremely helpful to have your body used to running when you start your training program.
- If you haven’t exercised in some time and running for 30 minutes is too much, allow yourself more time to train and try an a conditioning program. Listen to your body. Your body might adjust quickly, or it might take a little longer to be ready for the marathon training program.
