Marathon Training Myths, Tips & Attitude

Posted by parkejladd on Sep 29, 2009 in Featured {Article} | 8 comments

Since I started running consistently, nearly two years ago, it has been my hope to eventually run a marathon, and, as of this past August, my wife Quinn and I have been in training for the upcoming, second annual, Monumental Marathon held here in downtown Indianapolis. We have 30 some days till race day so I thought I would take this unique opportunity to share some of our personal training tips and attempt to debunk some of the myths and misconceptions we started training with. However, what I truly find intriguing is the last paragraph.

• Myth #1: You have to run hard every day. As with training or preparing for nearly anything, it is unwise to over-work to a point of exhaustion every time out. Consistently taking your body to fatigue almost always ends in injury, and injury is bad.
• Tip #1: Train Early. Get your day moving early in the morning–pre-work and pre-breakfast. The sooner you get it done and over with, the better and longer lasting the positive side effects will be. The longer you have to contemplate training, the more opportunity you have to think about not doing it.
• Myth #2: Running is all mental. The physical wear and tear is real.
• Tip #2: Running is mostly mental. Once you start pushing the 16-19 mile mark, mental barriers arise. You must develop your mind and attitude above all else. Your mindset is the single most important element to your marathon training, and it must be built and challenged appropriately throughout the course of your training.
• Myth #3: You want to train for a marathon, but you just don’t have the time right now. If you think you don’t have the time now, you never will. See Tip #1 for help with this myth.
• Tip #3: Train with others. After your first hour or two of running, you may begin to wish you had someone to talk to.
• Myth #4: 26.2 miles is a long distance. As with anything in life, it’s all about perspective. Don’t let the distance hinder you from starting.
• Tip #4: Eat well. You’re training for a marathon, the less weight you have to carry over 26.2 miles, the better.
• Myth #5: You have to run the entire race without stopping in order for it to count. Absolutely not true. Some of the smartest long distances runners in the world take time–a few seconds here and there–to walk. It’s all about keeping your mind in check and in tune with what your body is experiencing.
• Tip #5: Plan Ahead. If you wait until you’re thirsty to take a drink, you’re already dehydrated. If you wait until you’re out of energy to take a gel pack, you’re already crashing. If you wait until your feet hurt before buying new shoes, injury is looming. If you wait until you pass out before you walk, you may not finish well. Make a plan. Be willing to be flexible. Adjust as you go.

Running a marathon is mainly about changing your perspective. What you think impossible today can become the possible tomorrow. The only way to gain ground and change your perspective is to act. The only reason we believe a task to be difficult or even unimaginable is because we have never attempted anything beyond what we have currently already achieved. We get stuck assuming that we could never do anything more or better than what we are currently doing–that there is no obtainable, higher level for us. Don’t believe the lie. Push beyond what you think you are capable of. Extend your boundaries. Ask yourself to do more with what you have been given. Challenge your perspective, and run freely beyond your pre-conceived status quo.