Taking The Right Steps For Marathon Training

Start by choosing a realistic goal.

With the New Year comes the inevitable wave of fitness resolutions. Accordingly, the USA Today Web site has published a relevant article about how to best prepare for a marathon. American distance-running star Kara Goucher was consulted for the article and says beginners should start out by setting a personal goal.

“If you really have a goal that you’re going for, it’ll keep you motivated to keep at it,” Goucher suggests.

Not surprisingly, the 26.2-mile distance is hardly a cakewalk and so the article advises starting your training plan as soon as possible–as early as 15 to 16 weeks away from the race date.

And even though the marathon is a solitary race, beginning runners should look to others to train by joining a local running group or club.

Other suggestions from the article include:

1. Picking the right shoe.

2. Eating right.

3. Wearing layers of the right fabric

4. Running often.

5. Not pushing it too hard.

6. Staying focused.

7. Picking an interim race.

8. Listening to your body.

9. Warming up.

10. Cooling down.

11. Picking a good tune.

12. Watching for winter challenges.

For More: USA Today