How do you train for a marathon?

Have you ever set a goal for yourself that simultaneously excited and scared you a little bit? If you've never run a marathon before that's kinda what it feels like. You decide you're finally going to do it and cross that item off your bucket list once and for all! After all, you're not getting any younger right? You're excited and pumped up about the challenge but then the reality of it all starts to set in. What the heck did I get myself into? How do I even train for it? Do I just run everyday until I can run 26 miles?

Believe me, even if you're an experienced 5 or 10k runner, running a full marathon is a whole different can of worms. You really do need an experienced coach and training plan to guide you and help you succeed. All the motivation in the world is not going to help much if you don't know what to do. Running harder and longer is NOT always the best thing to do. There's a science to just about anything and running a marathon is no different. The best thing to do, as with anything else in life, find someone who has already succeeded in what you are trying to do and follow their example. Click Here!

Ever since I ran my first marathon my goal has been to eventually qualify for Boston! I know that's a pretty tough task and at first it didn't really seem possible but after 4 marathons I am now only 20 minutes away from my goal time! Twenty minutes may not seem like a lot over 26 miles but I'm sure they will be the hardest 20 minutes to knock off so far. I've been able to improve my marathon times with each run largely in part to hard work and some talent but in order to achieve better results and actually make that Boston dream a reality I know I will need a more focused and detailed training plan. So far I've gotten by on free and public training plans available on the web and just trying to modify as needed to fit my style and fitness level.

But, this fall I will once again make my attempt at a Boston Qualifier and I am already researching for the best training plans out there. I want to push myself and follow a proven plan of attack that will help me cross that finish line with my ticket punched to Boston!

So...I came across this site Click Here!

With the Olympics just a couple of months away I gotta say, I'm a little inspired to learn from and see what a 2-time Olympian has to offer for helping me run my best ever marathon. The cool thing is that this isn't just for elite level runners. Absolutely anyone, from the beginner to the experienced can use and implement this proven method to train for their best ever marathon.  He calls it THE 100 DAY MARATHON PLAN.

I love the fact that not only is he a proven and successful runner himself at the highest level but he's also a doctor! He provides some of the best advice from both angles, professional athlete and medical expertise.

Anyways...I really loved this plan and thought I should share it with you to help you achieve the same results I'm looking for. You don't have to be shooting for Boston like I am to benefit from a great training plan.

Find your plan to success and commit to crossing that finish line no matter what!

RUN TO SUCCESS!!

 

We can literally RUN the world!

I came across this awesome graphic on the literal power of runners and just had to share it with you guys. Definitely gives you a new perspective on running. Check it out!

Runner.com - Information and Inspiration for the Runner



Wow, can you imagine the possibilities? What if we could somehow harness this energy? I can't wait for the first running powered gadget! 


Would this motivate you to start running or perhaps run your first marathon? 

Are you a Garmin Runner?

So basically I just learned I could share my Garmin run on my blog also and just had to try it out! If this works you should be able to see my run and details about it.
 For those that may not know what a Garmin is, its basically an awesome watch and a runner's (or cyclist's) best friend. I honestly don't even feel comfortable running without mine now. It has the ability to track your pace per mile, heart rate, distance, total time, calories burned and lets you upload all this information onto your computer and as you can see here, even to the web! It's actually pretty cool to share on Facebook and let your friends know (okay brag) how much you ran that day. In reality its been an awesome running tool for me during my training to help me stay on pace and even more importantly during a race. 

I was able to achieve my best half and full marathon times after first wearing my Garmin 110 by staying within my planned pace all throughout the race. I usually had the bad habit, as most beginning runners do, to start off too fast and this really helped me avoid that and consequently able to finish stronger. 

Its really not something I would recommend if you're just starting off and getting into running though. But if you've done a few races and are looking for a way to train better and improve your personal time then this would be an excellent investment. There's several different models but honestly all you really need is pace and distance and the most basic model will give you just that. You can check it out here.

                    

Kara Goucher vs Shalane Flanagan - THE RIVALRY

In honor of the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics I thought I'd share this hilarious video on two of the potential medalists at the Games. Enjoy! 

KARA GOUCHER vs SHALANE FLANAGAN (The Rivalry) 

I can't wait to be cheering for USA and hopefully watch one of these two on the podium!


BUT, you can't count out the newest star in the running scene. 

DESI DAVILA - OLYMPIC GAME CHANGER