Training Tuesday: So You've Signed Up For A Marathon- Now What?

Happy Tuesday! I wanted to share with you some tips that I’ve learned over the course of training for 6 marathons. While I’m still learning every training cycle, I also remember a few things that I read when training for my first that were totally incorrect/ inaccurate! Signing up for a new distance or new goal can be totally scary/ exhilarating (ahem- how I’m feeling about my first 50 miler in May!). You’ve made the plunge to sign-up, but now the real work begins when you have to actually train?!?

So here are a few things that I’ve found helpful when training for marathons specifically!

Find a time to fit in your training runs and be non-negotiable on those times. When you’re working on a new schedule, it can be challenging those first 3-4 weeks adjusting. Be kind to yourself, but also know that once you get on the new schedule it will feel easier! If you’re not a morning person, then schedule in your runs after work (just like a meeting). Or if you can do mid-day runs, then fit them in just like a meeting. Don’t back out on yourself and visualize that finish line when you try to come up with excuses.

Get used to planning ahead. When I was training for my first marathon, I was a terrible planner. I had a ‘rough’ idea of when my long run would be or how I’d refuel after running, but it wasn’t until after a few marathon training cycles that I realized how imperative it was to plan ahead for these things. Now, I know how I’ll refuel post-run, where I’m running the next day (which can always change depending on weather/ poor sleep etc.), and if I need to take in a few extra calories today for tomorrow’s longer run.

Stretching and strength training are necessary and as important as running! I’ve just started to stretch way more than I used to and it has helped me so much. I now switch up my strength training schedule every 6-8 weeks so my body doesn’t become stagnant (your body will actually plateau if you continue to work on the same exercises for an extended period of time (I usually increase weight/reps over 6 weeks then switch to a new routine)- no matter if you increase the weight/ reps). Try not to skimp on these things and make them as much of a priority as running.

Find a training plan that works for your schedule (or hire a coach)! I’ve tried so many various training plans. Some worked great for me, others were not what worked for my schedule or training goals- know that every person is unique and your training plan should be that way too! Don’t expect to get the same results as your BFF from the same training plan- everyone is different.

Anticipate on being tired and know that that’s NORMAL! I cannot tell you how exhausted I was when training for my first few marathons. I couldn’t fathom how people who had full-time jobs and kids trained for marathons because it took up so much of my time! It took me until maybe my 4th marathon where I finally started to feel like training wasn’t kicking my butt. Trust the training process and be kind to yourself.

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What are some types you’d give to a first-time marathoner?!