Are you ready to run the marathon distance?
The marathon is the ultimate distance goal for many runners. 26.2 miles. Running a marathon is an amazing goal and symbolizes the ultimate level of fitness achievement. Have you run other shorter distance races and think that you might be ready to run a marathon? This article will help you to determine if you are ready to run the marathon distance!
Are you ready to run the marathon distance?
You’re already running consistently
How often are you currently lacing up? In order to prepare for a marathon, you need to be running consistently (at least 3 days per week and at least 15-25 miles per week on average).
It’s also helpful to make sure those miles are spread evenly throughout the week and not all concentrated in one day.
You need to come into marathon training with a solid aerobic base in order to safely build-up to the marathon distance.
You’re looking to take your running to the next level
After you’ve been running for a while, it can be natural to want to find new challenges for yourself and take your running to the next level.
Running a marathon can be an excellent way to challenge yourself in a new way.
Training for a marathon is an amazing way to challenge yourself and show yourself (or others) what you’re capable of.
You’re willing to follow a training plan
Training for a marathon is no joke. Training for a 26.2 mile race is very intense and requires very strategic training in order to prepare safely.
Following a good training plan is essential to safely preparing for the marathon. Following a training plan also teaches you that taking small steps can lead to big results.
Sticking to your training is very important to help your body build up the endurance, stamina, and mental strength. It’s also critical to help you avoid injury.
You have time to commit to training
Preparing for a marathon doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of time and commitment to prepare for a marathon.
Most marathon training plans take between 12 and 20 weeks, and 3 to 5 runs per week. Do you have time to commit to training?
Are you willing to make sacrifices to fit training into your schedule? If you’re willing to put in the time, you may be ready to run a marathon.
You’ve done a few other shorter distance races
Have you completed a few 5ks, 10ks, or a half marathon? If so, you might be ready to run the marathon distance. Running a few shorter distances can help prepare you for what to expect during a marathon.
A marathon is essentially the same as those shorter races, only a longer distance!
Running shorter races will help you to prepare both physically and mentally for a full marathon.
Check out this step-by-step guide to running a marathon!
Are you ready to run the marathon distance?
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10 Comments
I have never run a marathon. I did one 18 mile race and even though everyone thought I should run a marathon, I knew it wasn’t the right time for me and I don’t regret that decision.
Someday, maybe. And maybe not.
Thanks for breaking it down for us!
I have not run a full marathon yet and don’t see myself doing one. It does take up a lot of time. These are important things to consider before signing up
I think its a great idea to do a shorter race before a marathon. My first race ever was a half-marathon, and that was kind of intimidating, It would have been nice to start with something shorter.
That’s a good point about doing some shorter distance races- a surprising number of beginning runners skip right to the marathon. There’s so much to be gotten from the shorter distances along the way! Thanks for these ideas.
That’s a good point about the time commitment. I think many underestimate how much time marathon training needs. It can be quite challenging for people with busy schedules, like working parents.
Fantastic stuff! I agree – you have to really WANT the 26.2. Training is no joke and you have to be ready to throw down and do the work!
Haven’t run a marathon before. Would love to try as am an advocate of wellness but not sure how and when but am sure would be worth it. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve run a few marathons in my younger days, and I appreciate you pointing out the time commitment necessary to train properly!
I think it is so important to do a half marathon before training for a marathon! You need to know the demands of long distance running.
This is such a great post! I’ve never really been much of a runner, but I’ve been practicing on the treadmill for a few months. I’ve been running a 10k on the treadmill every week for the past few weeks, and I’m thinking about trying a half marathon distance. I wish we had better/safer running trails where I live so I could run outside. ๐