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Oblique Magazine - Is Running a Marathon Impossible

We see the stickers on the backs of cars with numbers that seem senseless… 13.1, 26.2. What do those mean? When we find out that those are the miles that the person driving the car ran, we think, they are crazy? But, the question is, are they? Can anyone run a marathon?

Many people suggest that marathon running is mind of over matter. If you have the right mind set, you can last for hours and hours out there on the open road. The mind is definitely an important part, but conditioning and training definitely take the cake in making sure that your marathon experience is a good one.

Pacing

Pacing is something that is up to the individual. We all have different goals in mind and to us reaching that goal means winning the race, even if you do place number 18,134. The key to pacing is being able to kick it up in those last couple miles. You’ll know what pace is right for you during your training and you’ll know when a short walk might be appropriate to help save your legs at the end. The pacers in marathons are always good to follow, but don’t be afraid to break away from them on those last miles and finish strong.

Be Strong

A long leisurely run is good, but won’t make you stronger. Try taking your long runs to the next level. Run your next long run at a comfortable speed and then at the end, try some short bursts of speed. For example run 90 minutes at about 60 seconds slower than regular pace. Finish with about ten 100-meter progressive strides. Build speed for the first 40 meters, hold that speed for about 30 meters and then coast for 30 meters. Rest for 45 seconds between intervals. You’ll notice that your stamina will increase with longer runs and that your short runs will feel like a breeze.

Hydration, Nutrition and Rest

A not so good thing about marathon training is that you will want to eat everything in sight! Don’t deprive yourself of calories. You’ll need them to get through a long run on a hot day. Eat smart. Buy plenty of fruits and vegetables and stock up on carbohydrates on the day before your long runs.

Drink plenty of water. How many times have you heard that? Well, this certainly isn’t going to be any different when marathon training. Drinking water the day before a long run is vital. This will ensure your stamina, your ability to keep pace and even your ability to concentrate. Getting dehydrated is a great way to ruin a perfectly good training day, one that you may not be able to make up later, so make sure you drink plenty of water the day before your long runs (as well as just before you head out and have plenty on you during your run too).

Rest days are often overlooked or taken for granted. Rest days give your tired muscles and bones a break and ensure that you will be able to get back out there stronger than ever the next day. Do not skip on rest days because you feel you need to be training instead. There is something to be said about a person that works hard, so that they can rest harder.