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Jun 27, 2007 Flexible Marathon Training By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 631

Training for the Marathon

Training for a marathon is not an easy task. Preparing for something as significant as a 26.2 miles requires a major time commitment, thoughtful preparation and adequate knowledge of the how to accomplish your goal.

A dedicated approach to training for a marathon will enable marathoners to enjoy the challenge of completing the race rather than just surviving it.

The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon and Half Marathon are 16 weeks away. Improve your training and increase your level of focus by signing up now. Consider it an investment in yourself. Don’t worry about losing your entry fee if you are forced to drop out before the event. Fewer than ten percent of runners won’t make it the starting line. The heightened mental aspect of making the commitment will be worth it.

If you don't have a training plan, log onto the marathon web site and click the training bar. I've set up different programs for both the marathon and half marathon that include post race recovery weeks. The programs are in progress and it’s OK to jump into week 6 or 7. These programs are meant as a guide. Move some of the days around to fit your schedule. The keys to success are settling on a consistent routine and putting in the miles. Training for the marathon is all about endurance and strength with speed coming naturally from these efforts.

A few long runs will help with the mental fatigue you'll experience late in the marathon. I'm a strong proponent of splitting up some of your long runs. For example, instead of doing an eighteen miler on Saturday, try running nine miles in the morning and nine in the evening. Your body will get a lot more out of the workout and recover quicker with less chance for injury.

There are many other avenues to help you prepare for a marathon. Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway have excellent training books and on-line programs.

Training alone is the toughest way to get ready. Running clubs are an excellent place to meet other runners with experience and to find someone to run with as you prepare. At least find someone to share your long run efforts. A number of running specialty stores offer organized twenty-mile training runs a few weeks before the marathon. Why struggle through your preparations when running partners can help make the work fun.

If you're a first timer it’s not too late to sign up for one of the many running specialty store in-training programs. Go to the marathon web site for a list of locations convenient for you. Most offer weekly runs and a place to meet other first timers and marathoners that will share their own first time experiences. They also bring in experts to share various aspects of training and racing.

In training web site: http://www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com/

In training programs at:
Bauman's Running Center, Flint – www.werunthistown.com - 810 238-5981
Endurance Sports, Muskegon - www.endurancesports.biz - 231-744-9138
Hanson's Running Shop, Royal Oak – www.hansons-running.com - 248 616-9665
Playmakers, Okemos – www.playmakers.com - 517 349-3803
Runner's Choice, Ontario – www.runnerschoice.on.ca - 519 672-5928
Running Factory, Windsor – www.runningfactory.com - 519 945-3786
Running Fit, Northville – www.runningfit.com - 248 380-3338
Running Gear, Brighton – runningear@msn.com - 248 623-7296
Total Runner, Southfield – www.totalrunner.com - 248 354-1177

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