Training for a marathon is a huge time commitment and requires a balance of training and life. And I don’t just mean the hours you log running either. As the miles you log increase, so does your need for additional rest. And then there is the additional food you will need to eat because you’re so hungry. I’ll be completely honest with you, it takes a lot of time to properly train. And balancing training with life can be a challenge. Since I’ve been through the marathon training cycle several times already, I’ll share with you some of my tips to help you train well and not have it disrupt your life too much.
1. Decide on a schedule. Hopefully, you’ve decided on a specific training plan to follow. There are many different plans out there that will help you reach your goal – whether that goal is to just finish the race or finish in a certain time. There are plans for advanced runners, beginners and people that want to use a combination of running and walking. The important thing is to pick one that is appropriate for you. The other aspect of scheduling is to determine when you will be able to complete the runs. If the only time you will be able to run is in the morning, commit to that and make that a scheduled part of your day. If you try to fit it in as you can, it’s more than likely that you will miss some important runs. At the same time, you need to be flexible with scheduling just in case something comes up. One great way I have found to get long runs done is to find a running group. All of my long runs are done on Saturday mornings at 6:45 with my running group. Sure, I’d love to sleep in Saturday morning but getting up and getting it done first thing eliminates anything else getting in the way. Having friends to run with that have similar training schedules is a great way to pass the miles.
2. Get support. If you have a family, this will be huge because training is a big time commitment. Having supportive friends and family members who allow you to keep your training schedule and pursue your marathon dream is important. We all have busy lives and things to do so you may need to get creative. If you have young children, this may mean arranging child care a couple of times a week. For me, it means throwing meals in the crock pot several times a week so I don’t have to worry about getting a healthy dinner on the table. You’ll need to surround yourself with people who are uplifting and supportive.
3. Pick the appropriate time to train. You’ll want to take a close look at your calendar and compare it to your training plan to make sure it works. For example, I run the Houston Marathon every January. That means the longer mileage weeks hit around Thanksgiving and go through Christmas and New Years. If you work a ton of hours at year end or know you can’t commit to training during the holidays, you’ll be better off picking another race. The typical training cycle lasts around 16 weeks so that’s a significant chunk of the calendar. Some of the earlier fall races may involve training during the summer. If you live in Texas like I do, training during the summer can be brutal. There’s no right or wrong answer, just what works best for you.
4. Be realistic. Thinking that you can do it all like you’ve always done and still train well for a marathon is an unrealistic expectation. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating – marathon training takes up a lot of time. You will need to make sacrifices to make it happen. Your body will need more rest as your training progresses and you’ll have to make the time to nourish your body. If you’re used to spending a couple of hours each evening relaxing and watching television, be prepared to sacrifice that time. Unless you can watch television while on the treadmill, don’t count on seeing it much for a while. Prioritizing your schedule will become more and more important. Set yourself up for success by recognizing that you can’t do everything and still train.
Training for and running a marathon is truly a life-changing event. Finishing a marathon is well-worth the time and sacrifice required but understanding how it will impact your daily life is important. If you’ve considered running a marathon, be sure to ask yourself these questions to see if you’re ready.
Have you run a marathon before? Do you know someone who has?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
December 4, 2014 at 6:11 amI am not a runner, but I Do workout every day. I make time. Period.
Terry says
December 4, 2014 at 8:02 amI don’t run because of a hip replacement that I don’t want to damage. I want it to last the rest of my life… so while you are running, look behind you. I will be walking… slow and steady
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Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
December 4, 2014 at 10:55 amI’ve been wanting to get into running. That sounds like I mean it as a hobby, and I totally don’t – I mean it for my health LOL These are great tips!
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Lois Alter Mark says
December 4, 2014 at 11:39 amI don’t think I’ll ever be a runner but I should really incorporate these same tips with walking every day.
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Jeanine says
December 4, 2014 at 11:41 amGreat tips! I need to start running again after winter. I would to now but once the snow hits it will be nearly impossible!
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Jaime says
December 4, 2014 at 11:54 amI’ve run 5 marathons, the last being when my son was around 8 months old and still nursing. Training for a marathon is no joke, and I have no idea how I survived that last one!
Heather says
December 4, 2014 at 1:24 pmI do a running and jogging sprints. I wish I could get to the place where I can run again.
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Chrystal @ YUM eating says
December 4, 2014 at 1:43 pmI’m slowly getting back into the workout routine. I am not cleared to run (Dr orders) due to my bone and joint issues. Once the weight comes down we can work on getting back to that. I have to make time, schedule it, just like I would an appointment.
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Coolchillmom says
December 4, 2014 at 2:53 pmI have been trying to run for a while now unsuccessfully. Now with yourist and perspective, I am ready to try again
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Pam says
December 4, 2014 at 7:59 pmI’ve never run a marathon, but I know a few people who are training for one. It’s a serious commitment and you need to know how to keep yourself from getting injured or burned out.
Stefany says
December 4, 2014 at 8:47 pmI don’t run anymore. When I did, I always ran in the evening when the kids went to bed. I was no where near the point of running a marathon though!
Veronica says
December 4, 2014 at 10:26 pmGosh! I am a really disciplined person except when it comes to a running schedule
Amanda says
December 5, 2014 at 7:52 amI would be someone who needed a schedule. I am very type A like that.
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Our Family World says
December 5, 2014 at 9:13 amTime management is the most important thing, you have to make everything work around the running!
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Ann Bacciaglia says
December 5, 2014 at 9:57 amI am not a runner. I have always thought it would be amazing to run a marathon. I would have to do a lot of training to get into shape to run one.
Shannon Gosney says
December 5, 2014 at 10:25 amThese are great tips for balancing life and running! I wish I could find more time to work out, but find it difficult to work into my schedule.
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Theresa says
December 5, 2014 at 11:01 amI always admire runners. They have such dedication to the sport. I don’t run, but I do make time to work out at dance classes regularly.
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Melanie says
December 5, 2014 at 12:34 pmUsed to love running so much ! Can’t anymore with my injury, but I turned to biking. Wonderful tips
LifeAsAConvert says
December 5, 2014 at 7:22 pmI have not ran a marathon, but know lots of people who has. The highest distance I’ve done is *only* 15 miles. 😉
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Tough Cookie Mommy says
December 5, 2014 at 9:25 pmI think that getting support is really important. You always have better outcomes with any goals you set when you have a good support system.
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Lisa Rios says
December 5, 2014 at 11:29 pmI am not a runner, but I love marathons a lot. Really great tips for runners, as my kids are the best runners in their schools. These might help them for sure.
Marielle Altenor says
December 6, 2014 at 12:17 amI used to jog in the morning when I was younger. Not so much these days. Would be nice to get back to it again.
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Fan R @TeddyOutReady says
December 6, 2014 at 4:34 amI am not running outside these days, pretty cold, Now I’d rather go to the gym. When the weather will be warmer I think I will spend more time outside. I do not run for marathons but time management is essential.
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Amanda Love says
December 7, 2014 at 7:25 amYou should always be realistic. I know I would never run a marathon or anything close to one so I won’t even try.