jfelco

im interested in running a marathon in san diego this coming summer. i would like to know if anyone is a runner, and has some tips on training/preparing for this 26 mile journey. ive been running every other day, ive gotten up to 4 miles in about 40 minutes. i just started running a couple weeks ago.

ive talked to my cousin, and he suggest i go to a running store to get some quality running shoes, as well as some advice on how to run properly. i am also aware that there is a suggested diet for long distance runners, lots of carbs and lean protien- is this right????
any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

almostaugust

Ive never run a marathon, so im not sure i can help you too much on that front; but i do consider myself a runner. I run more cross-country style stuff a couple of times a week if i can. I think running is something that can build you up mentally to be a freaking powerhouse. It has definately got me through some rough times. It also compliments (when done in the right way) lots of other sports and activities. All the best with your running!

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magua

Buy a book. There are plenty of books entitled "How To Run A Marathon" or similar. Compared to what you'll go through in shoes, it should be chump change.

Seeing as you just started a few weeks ago, I think the best thing to do would be to look for upcoming 5k and 10ks, and run those.

If your goal is just to finish the marathon, outside of any time limit, just keep increasing your distance each week, something like:

Mon: x miles, 9 min pace
Wed: 3/4 x miles, 8 min pace
Fri: 1/2 x miles, 7 min pace

And then up x by a mile a week. Try to hit 22 or so miles about two weeks before the marathon, and then loosen the goals so you get some rest before the real deal.

sailor

Good advice, especially about finding a book that knows more about it than us here. 26 miles is a long distance, and you had better be ready for it if you want to complete the race. Take the training seriously (but dont overdo it--go get a book or a trainer or something that can help you train).

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cait987

Best advice I can give is learn to pace yourself, learn how long your body can keep up at a maximum output without you collapsing, honestly, the biggest mistake people make alot of times is underestimating the distance from X to Y and then they cant make the last stretch and lose all their momentum.

Also another advice is tie your shoes tight so you get blood but they arent loose, loose shoes are a distraction and annoying hehe (I used to run with loose shoes cause they were comfortable but you will notice a huge difference in ability to get energy if you tighten them.)

jfelco

thanks for the advice, im going to look into some reading materials for training. i actually have a 10K coming up on the 8th in LA. im up to 4 miles in 36 minutes.