share. learn. thrive!
Any Tips For First Time Marathon
Hello All!
So, I'm doin my first marathon come May. Actually, it's only 1/2 of the full marathon (13 mi, rather than the full 26- The Pittsburgh Marathon). I wanted to do a test round the first year I guess...ha ha. I workout 5-6 days a week (resistance training + cardio) and eat pretty healthy. As of right now, I am doing this alone so I was wondering if there were some words of wisdom any of you all would possibly be willing to share with me. Anything would be much appreciated :)
Also, if anyone knows of a group of people in the Greensburg, PA area that would like to train together...Please let me know.
Thanks and hope to hear from some of you soon,
Melissa
Views: 42
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by angelo lazzara on -
Hi Melissa,
The key will be doing all of your long runs[usually on the weekends]...always found it easier to run with someone or in a group....lots of training plans on the internet so finding one to suit your schedule should not be a problem....always always listen to your body....if you're suppose to do some training and you're exhausted from work or other responsibilities then back off...the goal is to get to the start line feeling fresh NOT overtrained and tired...remember that this process is supposed to be fun so don't take it real real serious.
Have completed two marathons and many other shorter races....have fun.
-
Permalink Reply by Vega Kelly on -
Besides the nutrition aspect, my biggest tip would be to get a good pair running shoes. I would suggest going to a specialty store and getting them to help you pick out a pair that works best for you.
As for nutrition, use your long runs to test out what works best for you. How much breakfast to eat? What works best for energy and digestibility? How far into the long run do you need a snack? How much water to drink?
I guess there's really a lot of tips! Good luck with your training.
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on -
Thank you Kelly...I will definitely keep all your advise in mind when I am training:)
-
Permalink Reply by Nicole Lund on -
I just did my fourth marathon (actually the Goofy marathon and a half at Disney World) and I found that maintaining my short and mid distance weekday training runs in addition to my long weekend runs really helped my fitness this time (I used to kind of slack a bit during the week because I would get so busy and the daily runs seemed so short that it wouldn't matter to skip some of them....) Following a training plan (including rest days) helped a lot this time. Your local YMCA probably has a marathon training group. good luck!
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on
-
I usually do 30 mins. of steady cardio each day during the work week (mon-fri) along with my resistance training. take off sat. and just got a tredmill so plan on trying longer slightly slower runs on sundays. i was joggin outside earlier in the year when it was nice out but have pretty muched moved most workouts indoors (unless there's semi-decent weather). YMCAs are so expensive. I used to work for one and I can't afford what they charge unfortunately. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me Nicole:)
A couple questions that just came to mind, any special prep the day before/morning of the marathon? And, what do you normally eat the day before/of the marathon? I'm sure those two days are super important...
-
Permalink Reply by VegaKate on -
Hey Melissa,
Words of wisdom I can impart on you being a half marathoner only just last year is that you really need to get in those runs outside as much as possible-if possible. I trained mostly inside for a half last February (albeit I live in Vancouver which is not nearly as weather stricken as where you are), and oh wow, once my body hit the cold at about an hour in, I was in pain! Remain positive, take it slow and steady, and remember to not overload your system with lots of pills (by this I mean Tylenol!) and energy drinks. Your body will naturally guide you through, and that finish line is the best feeling in the whole world! Best of luck :)
-
Permalink Reply by BB on -
You will love it! I agree with Vega Kelly. Experiment with nutrition before during and after your long runs. It will make a world of difference. I am a big fan of Vega's Sports Drink. I have a serving before I begin running. It gives me a ton of energy.
I also have a recovery drink with 15 mins of a training session. The recovery recipes in Brendan's book, The Thrive Diet are excellent. I am amazed at how fast my body recovers.
I live in Calgary Alberta. It has a large running population. Almost all the running stores offer free group runs every weekend. I am wondering if something similar is offered in PA? It is a great way to stay motivated and meet new people. Have fun!
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on
-
That all sounds like great advice. I have felt beat down at times and just had to take random full weekends off and just veg.
I'll definitely try to keep the fun factor into it all...I do love it when i enjoy the workout rather than force myself through it.
Thank you Angelo, very much : )
angelo lazzara said:Hi Melissa,
The key will be doing all of your long runs[usually on the weekends]...always found it easier to run with someone or in a group....lots of training plans on the internet so finding one to suit your schedule should not be a problem....always always listen to your body....if you're suppose to do some training and you're exhausted from work or other responsibilities then back off...the goal is to get to the start line feeling fresh NOT overtrained and tired...remember that this process is supposed to be fun so don't take it real real serious.
Have completed two marathons and many other shorter races....have fun.
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on
-
Oh geez, I don't even know what I'd do if that'd happen. I'm sorry to hear that. Well, I hope you are feeling better and plan on tryin for another one. I'll definitely make sure I do some extra stretches now...ha ha.
Thank you Megan for the advise : )
Megan Rivard said:good for you! i just did my first half in vegas, and after 6 months of training, and 3 weeks before my race i injured my IT band! Keep going what your doing, just make sure you stretch!!!! I know everyone says that, but man oh man I wish i could go back in time and stretch more than i did, i wouldn't have this issue if i did! have fun, all the best!!! :)
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on
-
Hello Kate,
I do try to go outside when I can. I prolly should force myself to more often because it does train your lungs much better I've noticed. Trying to jog some of the sidewalks with all the snow is just ridiculous sometimes..ha ha. That'll be my goal next weekend...to do a long steady jog outside.
And, my one co-worker did her first 1/2 marathon last year (the same one I'm doin this year) and she said that she just burst into tears once she finihed. I can definitely see how that would be extremely emotional and can't wait for the rush!
Thanks for the encouragement...Outside is where i truly feel the best :)
VegaKate said:Hey Melissa,
Words of wisdom I can impart on you being a half marathoner only just last year is that you really need to get in those runs outside as much as possible-if possible. I trained mostly inside for a half last February (albeit I live in Vancouver which is not nearly as weather stricken as where you are), and oh wow, once my body hit the cold at about an hour in, I was in pain! Remain positive, take it slow and steady, and remember to not overload your system with lots of pills (by this I mean Tylenol!) and energy drinks. Your body will naturally guide you through, and that finish line is the best feeling in the whole world! Best of luck :)
-
Permalink Reply by melissa lesko on
-
I have recently been using Vega's Sports Drink and absolutely agree that is gives some additional energy during my workouts. I have not been using any kind of recovery after my trainings besides plenty of water. But, I may have to look into that. I usually drink a Vega Food Optimizer about an hour or so after my 30 min cardio sets, since I do that during my lunch break throughout the work week. That does seem to help give the energy needed to finish of the day but, now I'm curious to see what else I could be doing for better recovery. I am one of those people that have to eat multiple times a day so I'm sure I could fit something else in there somewhere...ha ha ha.
And, running stores? We have sporting goods stores like D***'s but, nothing that i know of that specializes in running. That is very interesting. I'll have to see if anyone has heard of that around here.
Thank you much for you're input BB...now I have some things to look into :)
BB said:You will love it! I agree with Vega Kelly. Experiment with nutrition before during and after your long runs. It will make a world of difference. I am a big fan of Vega's Sports Drink. I have a serving before I begin running. It gives me a ton of energy.
I also have a recovery drink with 15 mins of a training session. The recovery recipes in Brendan's book, The Thrive Diet are excellent. I am amazed at how fast my body recovers.
I live in Calgary Alberta. It has a large running population. Almost all the running stores offer free group runs every weekend. I am wondering if something similar is offered in PA? It is a great way to stay motivated and meet new people. Have fun!
© 2013 Created by Vega Kelly.
