Running Training

There is nothing like running training for a marathon.  Short runs during the week and a long run on Saturday.  Kind of boring.  Not when you have a group to run with. It’s not the finish; it’s the fellowship that makes the event. 

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Whether you are running training for a marathon or a 5K (3.1 mile) fun run, it all begins with you. Morning runs are great, they are done before breakfast.  You are the one who schedules and does your runs. 

Before You Start

Before you begin any running training program, check with your physician to see if this is right for you.  If you have any health concerns like: heart disease, high blood pressure or asthma, you need to discuss this with your doctor.  The physician will recommend a course of action for you to follow.

Get the Right Shoes

Make sure you get the right running shoes. Go to a specialty store, they have shoes for your type of foot and training purpose. Make sure that your running shoes are a size larger than your dress shoes. Your feet swell up when you run. You need that extra room.

Need a Partner?

If you need someone to run with, for your running training program, check the parks for any flyers on local running groups. Your neighborhood fitness center or YMCA may also have information on local running groups. Check the papers for any upcoming runs. At these fun runs, you can volunteer and meet runners that belong to running clubs. After all this is done, you may find a neighbor who will do the running training with you.

To Begin Running

For your first few running training runs, start slowly.  Run a short distance, then walk and run. Don’t worry about distances, just go out there and give it a shot. Over time and with consistency, you will be able to run distances and try the races.  So, just keep it up.

Add Some Spice

To add to the running training, you may want to try some cross-training.  The treadmill or stationary bikes provide some great workouts.  These aerobic workouts will build up your leg strength for running.  The machines have programs for weight loss and endurance training.

Need to Stretch

Stretching is very important for running training.  Stretching will help your muscles to cool down, after a workout.  Stretching will prevent midnight muscle spasms and other problems.

Body Building

Body Building or Weight Training will round out a full body workout.  All the body muscles are worked for muscle development and weight loss. To begin a body building program, you can purchase some free weights, a bar, and an exercise mat. Just do the weights, three times a week for about twenty minutes a session.

Training for a Marathon

When you train for a 5K (3.1 mile) race or a 26.2 mile marathon, your running training has to be consistent.  Try three short runs during the week, with a long run on Saturdays.

For Marathon Training, try two short runs during the week, a ten-mile run on Wednesdays, and a long training on Saturdays.   Marathon Training takes about six months. It takes time for the body to build up to 26.2 miles.

Once the marathon is over, give your body time to recover. It may be two weeks, before you begin to run short and slow. It is a good time to plan for next year’s training.  

Trail Running

Trail Running is a good alternative for your running training program.  Trail Running on Saturday is a change from the long run on city streets. With Trail Running, you can run through a neighborhood park and enjoy the outdoors.

Start Running!

For running training, you can join a group and run with them.  Start your running program and start to diversify your training.  Give your body a full workout.

Go for that goal. You can do it!