Marathon Web Page

Marathon Training

Are you thinking of running in a marathon? Would you like to be able to run 26.2 miles? Here are some tips and useful links to help you train for and complete a marathon.

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History of the marathon
Getting started
Putting in the miles
Have fun!

First, an overview of a marathon and its origin

A marathon is a foot race with a distance of 26 miles and 285 yards. (26.2 miles) The marathon's distance was chosen to duplicate the distance run by a Greek soldier from the town of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to bring the news of a Greek victory over the Persians. The Marathon-Athens distance is actually less than 40 km (25 mi). The modern distance was established at the 1908 Olympic Games in London and represents the distance from the royal castle at Windsor to the Olympic stadium.

Time to get started

The most basic and most important piece of gear for a runner is shoes. Go to a quality shoe store for good advice on the best shoe for your feet and your particular running needs. Other than shoes, you need to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the climate you will be running in. Fuel (food and liquids) are important also. For more information on keeping your body properly fueled, use this link >>> Marathon '97: Training For more information on fluid replacement, use this link >>> Born to Run's Web Page

Putting in the miles

For the average runner who is used to running at least 15 to 20 miles a week, marathon training should start at least three months before the marathon date. You want to allow yourself plenty of time to gradually build up your mileage. Starting with whatever mileage you are at now, increase each week by no more than ten percent from the previous week. If you would like specific tips on designing a running schedule, use this link >>> Your Marathon Running Schedule!

Marathon training requires putting in the miles. To begin marathon training, add a weekly long run, beginning with an eight mile run and working up to 22 miles. Alternating hard and easy weeks is a good idea. Train in the same conditions as the marathon will be. If there are a lot of hills in the marathon, train on a lot of hills. If any of the marathon is not on pavement, then do some trail running. If it will be warm during the marathon, then train in similar warm weather.

Don't Forget To Have Fun

Most of all, have fun during your training and during the marathon. Just finishing the marathon will be a major accomplishment. The training will make you feel good in other areas of your life. Remember it is the journey, not the destination, that is most rewarding. ENJOY!

Click on The Running Page to go to a great site about running marathons and other running topics.