Are you marathon ready?

In this guide, we share some marathon running tips on ensuring you leave nothing to chance.

Most experts recommend training for at least six months, and ideally a year if starting from scratch, before running your first marathon. It is advised you follow a strict marathon training plan to achieve fitness and to minimise the risk of injury.

Running imposes significant stress on your musculoskeletal system, and it can take many months for a rookie runner to adapt to impact running. If you rush to build mileage too quickly, you are more likely to sustain an injury. Even if you’re at peak physical fitness, an intensive regime can be arduous and dangerous, posing a greater risk.

Instead of rushing, you might therefore prefer to adopt a more gradual approach, starting with shorter mileage goals and letting your body adapt accordingly. This increases both familiarity and fitness. Smart training takes in significant milestones, running eight to ten miles, then moving on to half-marathons, ramping up the mileage each week.

Recreational runners will know that it takes around three to six hours to complete a marathon, with an average of 4.5 hours, so training should ensure this is a feasible goal after months of preparation, with an appropriate diet, sleeping regime and the correct mental fortitude.

For further marathon tips, consult Maximum Mileage Coaching today for a comprehensive marathon training schedule.