Marathon

Training for a Marathon

There are three things to consider when beginning a marathon program.

#1 Why. First of all, why do you do anything that is difficult?
#2 Commitment. Will you commit to the work that MUST be done?
#3 Focus. When it gets hard, what is at the center of your heart and mind?

Sometimes the reason for training for a marathon are the really cool medals.

Running or walking a marathon is true endurance of the human spirit, and the human body. You will learn who you are with endurance training.

If you go to a marathon you will see every body type, every age, and almost every circumstance of health. It is quite impressive because, someone bigger than you, older than you, weaker in health, is passing you, and that is humbling. But it is also empowering, because you can gain strength from that individual.

I do believe most everyone can do a marathon, especially a highly motivated person, regardless of the challenges. A marathon is not only in the miles, but in the mind. Follow your training plan, listen to your body, rest when you need to, and practice recovery such as yoga or massage. Feed yourself good natural foods. The weeks before the marathon should be used to test all components of a great race. In this blog I will be recommending some of my favorite things and some research I have found. I am not an expert, so I challenge you to test, test, test, but also to comment on the blogs and share your experience. I would also recommend checking with your health care professional first, as you will be testing your body to the limits.

Palisades Park at the Finish Line of the ASICS LA Marathon. 

I want to go back to the three things mentioned at the beginning of this post. If you really want to begin a marathon training program – Start with these three things:

#1 Why. This has to be big, otherwise it’s too easy to quit, and if you quit, quitting get easier. The ASICS LA Marathon has a goal to become one of the largest big city charity marathon. This means many runners are running for bigger causes. Race 4 Veronika’s Place is running and walking to save lives. I am doing this to not only save my own life by committing to a healthy lifestyle, but I am saving lives 9.000 miles away.

#2 Commitment. Do you have what it takes to do the work, to finish what you have started? If the answer is, I don’t know – go back to #1. Commitment is also, taking responsibility when there are setbacks, because there will be setbacks. Are you committed to recover and still move forward? We all lead busy lives, the training, eating, recovery and sleep must be a priority when training for a marathon.

#3 Focus. So much of our lives, we skate through, eyes closed. If you have the why, and you are committed, focus will keep you on track. Can you see yourself crossing the finish line? You have got to see it.

OK, so you have decided to train for the marathon. So tell your friends and family. Ask for support, maybe you need a prayer, or someone to watch your child for the night. Let them know you are running or walking for something bigger than you and would appreciate any financial sponsorship.

Check out this link for training programs: Beginner Marathon Training Program

Running groups are also great for motivation, the group mentality will keep you going when you want to stop, or do not want to wake up in the morning. Last year I trained with the LA RoadRunners, they offer 10 running pace groups, 6 walk/run pace groups, and 4 walk groups. There are other groups in LA that are available, my recommendation is to join a group. Before you begin a group, don't forget to check first with your health care professional.

Check out these running groups: LA RoadRunners, LA Leggers, I know there are others out there, let me know if you have other suggestions!

I thank you for joining Race 4 Veronika’s Place, come back to this blog for weekly motivation!

After the 2013 marathon, look at these great smiles.