Need some advice on running a Marathon?

Question

Im running a marathon oct 27th and im just wondering if anybody has any advice. Im aiming for a time of under 2hrs 40mins. I know this is ambitious for a first time marathon runner but my level of fitness is pretty good. I ran a 10miler 2weeks ago and did it in 1hr 2mins. Im running a half marathon next month and im aiming for under 1hr 20mins. So I know i have it in me to do a sub 2hrs 40 min marathon.

So what do I need to do in terms of training and just general race know how?

Thanks

Answer 1

I would try to find a running club in your area so you can train with and get advice from fellow runners.

Check out the marathon's web site.  Many now have virtual tours of the course.  Also Google Earth has some marathon courses set up.

If possible check out the course before hand.  If it is in a city you are not familiar with try to drive it.

It is a great idea to do a half before your marathon.  You can determine realistic pacing, water stops, etc.

Make sure your training includes some speed work - tempo runs and interval training.

Many marathons are hilly.  Get some hill workouts in.

Your goal is very ambitious.  Good luck.

Answer 2

regular training

but i would really recommend is the nike+ sports band

nikeplus.com for more info

Answer 3

Good luck.  Make sure you pay attention to your hydration and nutrition.  Plan to bring your own gels or other food with you so you don't bonk.  Also practice the water stops and running while drinking.  Plan on doing a longer run than a half marathon.  the plans that I have followed recommended at least 2- 20 mile long slow distance runs ahead of time.  They also help you to understand how you will do in the long run. the key to them is the slow part don't do them at the marathon pace.  They will help teach your body what it will be like to run for over two hours at a time.  Have fun.  Smile a lot and thank the volunteers and the fans on the route.  Some people put thier names on the front of their shirts to get the personalized cheers from the crowd.  It is great having someone shout out your name.  

Answer 4

Train. Practise. Don't over do yourself to the point your sure that you'll die, or have a heart attack.

Just train, get nice new comfier trainers, go to your local sports shops and investigate in ways to in courage your speed.

Good luck! I hope you reach your goal!

Answer 5

That is a fast time.

There is a formula that runners world published a while ago:

T2 = T1 x (D2/D1)1.06

Where T2 is the estimated time, T1 is an actual time, D2 is the proposed distance and D1 is the distance that tool T1 minutes.

From this formula it would suggest a 2:50 marathon.

When you have done the half marathon you will get a better estimation. You could use the time of your longest training run - and to be serious about a fast time that should be about 15 miles now.

Personally I would say that my marathon time is about double the half time and add between 13 and 26 - that would give you about 2:53 to 3:06.

A fast time is hard to do consistently. Anyway, I would suggest that you are perhaps aiming to do the marathon a little fast.

A marathon is like any other race, so the actually organisation and start is similar to what you would have encountered in the 10 mile.m Line up, gun goes and you run. Around the course there will be marshals to point you in the right direction, water and energy stations and perhaps the odd supporter or crowd.

Before the race be well hydrated but not needing to pee, and have a good meal of slow releasing carbohydrates about 2 to 3 hours before the race. Im sure you can find all this out.

Oh, wear nipple plasters and vaseline on places that rub such as arm pits. Enjoy the run and run it with a good spirit remembering that the marshals and crowd are there out of their own choice so recognise the help they are giving you

EDIT

Oh, I'll qualify the times thing here - didnt have time to write lots earlier. PB 10k is 37 mins, half is 83 mins and marathon is 183 mins - so you can see than the times dont double for doubling the distance.

Answer 6

So you want to do a consistent 6 minute mile?? aha yeh good luck thats all i can help you with

Answer 7

During training never run anymore than 13 miles.

Psychologically its very good for you