How do you train for a marathon?

Have you ever set a goal for yourself that simultaneously excited and scared you a little bit? If you've never run a marathon before that's kinda what it feels like. You decide you're finally going to do it and cross that item off your bucket list once and for all! After all, you're not getting any younger right? You're excited and pumped up about the challenge but then the reality of it all starts to set in. What the heck did I get myself into? How do I even train for it? Do I just run everyday until I can run 26 miles?

Believe me, even if you're an experienced 5 or 10k runner, running a full marathon is a whole different can of worms. You really do need an experienced coach and training plan to guide you and help you succeed. All the motivation in the world is not going to help much if you don't know what to do. Running harder and longer is NOT always the best thing to do. There's a science to just about anything and running a marathon is no different. The best thing to do, as with anything else in life, find someone who has already succeeded in what you are trying to do and follow their example. Click Here!

Ever since I ran my first marathon my goal has been to eventually qualify for Boston! I know that's a pretty tough task and at first it didn't really seem possible but after 4 marathons I am now only 20 minutes away from my goal time! Twenty minutes may not seem like a lot over 26 miles but I'm sure they will be the hardest 20 minutes to knock off so far. I've been able to improve my marathon times with each run largely in part to hard work and some talent but in order to achieve better results and actually make that Boston dream a reality I know I will need a more focused and detailed training plan. So far I've gotten by on free and public training plans available on the web and just trying to modify as needed to fit my style and fitness level.

But, this fall I will once again make my attempt at a Boston Qualifier and I am already researching for the best training plans out there. I want to push myself and follow a proven plan of attack that will help me cross that finish line with my ticket punched to Boston!

So...I came across this site Click Here!

With the Olympics just a couple of months away I gotta say, I'm a little inspired to learn from and see what a 2-time Olympian has to offer for helping me run my best ever marathon. The cool thing is that this isn't just for elite level runners. Absolutely anyone, from the beginner to the experienced can use and implement this proven method to train for their best ever marathon.  He calls it THE 100 DAY MARATHON PLAN.

I love the fact that not only is he a proven and successful runner himself at the highest level but he's also a doctor! He provides some of the best advice from both angles, professional athlete and medical expertise.

Anyways...I really loved this plan and thought I should share it with you to help you achieve the same results I'm looking for. You don't have to be shooting for Boston like I am to benefit from a great training plan.

Find your plan to success and commit to crossing that finish line no matter what!

RUN TO SUCCESS!!

 

We can literally RUN the world!

I came across this awesome graphic on the literal power of runners and just had to share it with you guys. Definitely gives you a new perspective on running. Check it out!

Runner.com - Information and Inspiration for the Runner



Wow, can you imagine the possibilities? What if we could somehow harness this energy? I can't wait for the first running powered gadget! 


Would this motivate you to start running or perhaps run your first marathon? 

Are you a Garmin Runner?

So basically I just learned I could share my Garmin run on my blog also and just had to try it out! If this works you should be able to see my run and details about it.
 For those that may not know what a Garmin is, its basically an awesome watch and a runner's (or cyclist's) best friend. I honestly don't even feel comfortable running without mine now. It has the ability to track your pace per mile, heart rate, distance, total time, calories burned and lets you upload all this information onto your computer and as you can see here, even to the web! It's actually pretty cool to share on Facebook and let your friends know (okay brag) how much you ran that day. In reality its been an awesome running tool for me during my training to help me stay on pace and even more importantly during a race. 

I was able to achieve my best half and full marathon times after first wearing my Garmin 110 by staying within my planned pace all throughout the race. I usually had the bad habit, as most beginning runners do, to start off too fast and this really helped me avoid that and consequently able to finish stronger. 

Its really not something I would recommend if you're just starting off and getting into running though. But if you've done a few races and are looking for a way to train better and improve your personal time then this would be an excellent investment. There's several different models but honestly all you really need is pace and distance and the most basic model will give you just that. You can check it out here.

                    

Kara Goucher vs Shalane Flanagan - THE RIVALRY

In honor of the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics I thought I'd share this hilarious video on two of the potential medalists at the Games. Enjoy! 

KARA GOUCHER vs SHALANE FLANAGAN (The Rivalry) 

I can't wait to be cheering for USA and hopefully watch one of these two on the podium!


BUT, you can't count out the newest star in the running scene. 

DESI DAVILA - OLYMPIC GAME CHANGER

What do Oprah, George W., Will Ferrell and Sarah Palin have in common?

So what's your guess? What can these people possibly have in common? No, its not a political thing. And that's not all. You can also add these people to the list: Katie Holmes, Meredith Baxter, William Baldwin, Lance Armstrong, Mario Lopez, Freddie Prinze Jr., P.Diddy (Sean Combs), Edward Norton and Al Gore. Yes, they are all celebrities of some kind but that's not it. Answer: They are ALL marathon runners!! Still think you can't run a marathon?

Here's the thing though. This got me thinking. Not only about the fact that if Oprah and George W. Bush can run a marathon then so can I and frankly, anyone for that matter, but why? Not why would anyone else want to but why did all these famous, successful, wealthy celebrities do so? And not only that but they all did so very successfully on their very first attempt at 26.2! Oprah finished in 4:29:20 (no, that's not a typo) participating in the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994! 

Oprah at 1994 Marine Corps Marathon

So how did George W. do? A much more impressive time of 3:44:52 at the Houston Marathon!! That's just crazy! I consider myself a pretty good runner ever since high school and it took me 4 marathons to finally beat that time! Even Sarah Palin with a time of 3:59:36 had me beat for quite some time. Honestly, these two were my motivation to break the 4 hour barrier for a long time. I just couldn't keep running knowing these two had run a faster marathon time than me. LOL. Like I said, it took me four tries but this year at the 2012 Houston Chevron Marathon I ran my PR (personal record) in a time of 3:25:39 and can finally run with my head just a little higher knowing I can beat a 65 year old man and a 48 year old mother of 5! Okay maybe not exactly something to brag about but still.

So back to my bigger point though. How and why did all these people not only run a marathon but do so very successfully? I think the reason for their success in the marathon can be directly linked to their success in life in general. Did you ever hear about or read the book called "The Secret?" I did. It was meant to explain why many people have all they ever wanted and desired and others simply do not. The premise is that one can obtain all of your goals and desires by changing your mindset and attracting wealth and anything you want in life by knowing how to focus your thoughts on those things, it was referred to as the Law of Attraction. I agree with the main premise of this idea that one has to focus on the positive and your goals on a daily basis but this is just one part of the equation to success. The second is the more concrete and real process by which you accomplish those goals, dreams and anything you want in life. No matter how much you may want something and think about it if you don't have an idea of how to pursue and reach those goals then you will never get there.

We need a road map, something to follow and do that will help us reach our goals and achieve the success we desire. It is this that I believe all of these people have in common that has allowed them to reach the highest levels of success in life. It is this that allowed them to cross that marathon finish line with such impressive times. Simply put, they know HOW to succeed! They know the principles, strategies and methods required to succeed in business, life and any new venture they set for themselves, including something like running a marathon even though they have never done it before.

We can learn from each and everyone of these persons and take those lessons as a whole and apply them to our own lives and particularly to our own marathon training. Why do I keep coming back to the marathon? Well, if we are not already as successful as we want to be or wish to know what it takes to achieve that level of greatness that we desire then I strongly believe that training for and completing a marathon can and will help us understand those same success principles that have held us back.

Success Principles: Goal Setting, Commitment, Perseverance, Consistency, Team work, Self-accountability, Endurance, Dedication, Time Management, Overcoming Challenges, Coachable, Purpose-driven.

I can assure you that every one of these core principles to success are embodied by each of these celebrities. They apply these with a level of excellence that far exceeds the normal population and thus resulting in amazing results. I have observed many first time marathon runners achieving what they previously thought was impossible then almost instantly realizing that there is nothing they can't do. This is not just a feeling of euphoria for having accomplished a great physical feat but truly realizing that if they just apply the same focus and determination to any area of their life then they truly can accomplish anything!!

This is my goal, my dream. To spread my joy of running to help others succeed in ways they never thought imaginable. Running is just the beginning. The key to your success.

RUN TO WEALTH...RUN TO SUCCESS!!!

What if you actually LOVED to run?

Imagine that! Remember in elementary or middle school when running was always a form of punishment? If you were late to practice or got on your coach's bad side for any reason it always led to extra laps. Even if you weren't part of a school team, I now those coaches in gym class were just as bad if not worse at doing this. No wonder many people HATE to run! BUT...what if we could somehow flip that switch and learned to see running as FUN! Actually enjoyable and something you WANT to do again and again.

Lucky for us, running comes in all shapes and sizes to fit any personality. It's just a matter of finding the one that motivates you and you'll never look back. I love any and all races but lately I'm really focusing on the marathon, 26.2 miles. I just love the physical and mental challenge of completing that distance and improving every time. Don't think you could ever run 26.2 miles? Well first of all, never underestimate yourself. I've seen complete non-runners train and complete their first ever marathon in 4-5 months of training! You CAN do it.

I realize a marathon may be way too much for many of you to start but like I said...there's a race for everybody. How's a 1 mile fun run sound? How about a 5k (3.1 miles) to benefit breast cancer awareness or poverty or autism? There's runs to benefit just about any cause you can think of! If you can personally relate to any of these then that can be an awesome way to get motivated and run for more than just yourself. My suggestion would be to get involved with a charity organization that you want to make a difference in and run for a cause. Believe me, its the most incredible and rewarding experience ever. Running almost becomes secondary just knowing that you are making such a big difference in the lives of others. Check out some of these organizations. 

www.teamintraining.org                www.researchautism.org

www.relayforlife.org                     www.ww5.komen.org

www.runninghope.org                   www.livestrong.com

Joining a charity organization like one of the ones above will give you much more than a reason to run for. They actually provide a complete training program and guidance from qualified coaches to be there with you every step of the way. An added bonus are the life-long friendships and memories you will make. 

Do you like adventure and a real challenge?

The newest trend to hit the running scene is absolutely crazy! No longer are races just down the street and around a park somewhere. We're talking about climbing walls, crawling through mud, jumping logs, multiple challenging obstacles and surviving to the finish line. I promise you'll never look at running the same way again. These races will definitely get your adrenaline pumping and asking for mercy. 

www.toughmudder.com

www.spartanrace.com

www.runthejailbreak.com

Perfect excuse to travel!!

There is absolutely no better way to see a new city than to run through its streets and becoming a part of it instead of just doing the normal tourist thing. The beautiful US of A has spectacular scenic routes that will take you along beaches, through forests, over mountains, lakes, historical sites and much more! Pick a place and find a race you can do there. You can visit all 50 states! Better yet, grab your passport and go abroad!! I've run through the streets of Athens, Istanbul and in the rain forests of Costa Rica! I've experienced views and places where only your running can take you and no car ever could. 

So run to save a life, conquer your physical limits or travel the world. You don't have to love running now but I know you will. Notice I didn't even mention losing weight as a reason to start running. It's simple, that may be enough to get you started but it won't be motivation enough to keep you going when it gets tough if you're not enjoying the journey and looking forward to the final destination. 

RUN TO SUCCESS!!

1st Mile

As it is in life and with anything that we want to accomplish it all begins with that proverbial first step. I still remember how it felt to finish that first mile after being away from the sport for so long, I was EXHAUSTED! I had planned on going out for an "easy" 3 mile run and ended up walking back. LOL So believe me, I know how it can be to get out there and start running for the first time or to start again. You CAN do it and if you need a little help or motivation well that's what I intend to do here.

Have you ever read a book (maybe even a blog), perhaps seen a movie that got you all pumped up and just feeling like you could overcome anything and be just like the protagonist in the story? For me that movie has always been Rocky. I really could watch ALL those movies over and over again and I always get that same feeling of empowerment and inspiration. Well, just like boxing there's actually movies for running that also evoke those same emotions. So whether you're just starting off or maybe training for your next big race I would strongly recommend watching the following movie. I know you will LOVE it and will be just that thing to push you over the edge to run your first mile or shatter your next PR (personal record). Really how could not be inspired by the story of young boy running for a miracle to save his mother's life! VERY inspirational.

                                                                    


For you bookworms out there I have two must reads. The first here is an excellent resource for all those just starting off. Learn about all the basics and get some great motivation as well to get you going!
"After running for awhile we will find (faith) that running brings with it a certain freedom and inspiration that a gym, elliptical machine, or treadmill can’t even come close to . . . it is then that wonderful things begin to happen, and we begin to run inspired." 

                                                                   

This one here I just absolutely loved and strongly recommend it to all runners especially if you've been running for a while already. If you have I'm sure you've already seen it somewhere or heard about it. It's definitely got to be one of the most interesting books to come out about running in recent times. Have you seen this whole new revolution in "minimalist" style running shoes? Well you have this book to thank for that. Find out how it inspired so many people to consider running barefoot and how we really were Born to Run!
"McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run."


                                                                   

"Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport."
Bill Rodgers

HAPPY RUNNINGS!  I have a long 14 miler tomorrow. See you out on the roads! 

RUN TO SUCCESS!!