Water...

Water is a crucial part to your training that cannot be overlooked. The novice runner should plan routes that incorporate water stops along the route or utilize a personal water bottle. Many runners have found it difficult to run with water because of the swishing noise or added weight that is caused from the bottle or pack. A more experienced runner will usually understand their body enough to plan the run with sufficient water before the run or with minimal stops along the run. One story coaches typically use with their runners is that once you are feeling thirsty, it's already too late and you already have some dehydration occurring. Runners are encouraged to drink water regularly, almost on a schedule, to keep themselves in balance.

Your First Marathon, Nervous or Scared?

Fear is normal for most first-time marathon runners and honestly, most veteran marathoners carry a level of anxiety into the race as well. Every marathon carries unpredictabilities into it that must be addressed, as best as possible, through training. However, be ready for anything and expect the worst because it could only get better. As runners and in life, we can only control so many factors and the rest we must learn from and run with.

Reaching a Training Plateau

Most runners and athletes reach a plateau or a point in their training where progress is slow and/or nonexistent. Beginners tend to make the most progress in their training if they can get beyond the initial setbacks (the body's normal aches & pains). For those who have been active for most of their life, they will have an easier transition to a life of fitness and well-being. However, there are many people who desire to be fit, but cannot get beyond those new feelings associated with being active. I believe people are able to be successful in their goals if they ALLOW themselves to achieve it. Unfortunately, some athletes look for reasons to enable them to fail or give up on their goal. For me, when an athlete reaches this "plateau," I recommend they introduce or incorporate new things into their training to re energize them and get them excited.

Goal-Setting

A marathon is an event that requires much preparation. Most experts usually suggest at least a 20 week period of training prior to the event, but I personally believe that the earlier you begin... the better (especially for the novice runner). Runners should also set personal fitness goals for themselves to allow them to stay focused. I like to tell my runners to find local races of shorter distances to get their feet wet and test out their progress in training.

Strength in Them There Hills

Novice and most entry level runners tend to attempt to develop leg strength through leg weights in a controlled environment (a.k.a. a gym). However, most experienced coaches will emphasize that leg weights aren't bad in moderation and with a monitored plan to improve, but they ultimately recommend the strength that comes from your long run with the incorporation of hills. We are not saying to do the short sprints up and down the local amphitheater, but to plan a route that encounters hills along the way at a controlled pace or effort. The treadmill may have a "hill" or "random" selection to select from, but nothing can really replace the freedom and sense of accomplishment to hitting the trail and conquering a hill on your run.

Organized Training vs Drop-In Training

From personal experience and in talking with others... Organized Training Wins. By saying Organized Training, I mean that the group or individuals meet and have an established goal to achieve in their workouts... not a free for all and see you later... A.K.A. Drop-In Training. Yes, there is usually a fee involved, but for most beginners, you are buying the coaches knowledge and experience which can save you a lot of heartache (and pain). From a coaches perspective, they, the coaches, are providing you a service and helps to guarantee your committment to the cause... which ultimately benefits YOU!!!

October IMS Half Marathon Training Schedule

Click Here to to View the IMS Relay Training Schedule & Half Marathon Training Schedule