From First-Timer To Marathon Finisher

One writer is cataloging her training leading up to her first marathon.

Philadelphia Magazine’s Annie Monjar finally did it: She is going to run her first marathon, the Philadelphia marathon in November. Her experience, training to complete the 26.2-mile race, will be recorded each week on the “Be Well Philly” blog.

Monjar is now facing the age-old question for first-time marathoners: how to prepare for the race so that it’s enjoyable and not a death march.

“How do I set up the next few weeks such that I don’t panic a month before the race and convince myself that, no—no I really won’t miss the registration fee or the technical T-shirt that comes with it?” she asks.

Monjar consulted one of the owners of the Philadelphia Runner stores, Ross Martinson, about how to understand what kind of time to aim for. He recommends using the McMillan calculator.

Martinson suggests that a runner complete a half marathon six months before the marathon and use that to gauge a marathon finishing time.

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