So, I’m hoping that with the help of some online resources, I can train on my own for my FULL marathon in November (VEGAS baby!). The road is my gym (well, and spin class) – SO, I looked to Google for some answers and found this training schedule that would work PERFECTLY with my schedule.
There are 3 “off” days a week – for me this translates to 3 “cycling/spin” days per week for (LOVE my spin classes! Also super “ups” my cardio). PLUS, it just so happens that if I start this marathon training schedule on Monday, the date of my Marathon (Nov, 13th) lands EXACTLY on the “marathon day” on the schedule!
I wanted to write about this actually not just to blab, but in case anyone had any suggestions – there are SO, SO, SO many blogs, articles, websites, etc. out there with information “how to train for a marathon” – so it’s a little overwhelming.
I know I need to work on strength training (particularly my hips), focus on increasing my distance, and perhaps throw in some speed work in there somewhere. I WILL continue to do cycling/spin classes about 3 days/week because, no matter what anyone says, I KNOW that helps me IMMENSELY with my running (I feel like I could run forever and never be out of breath!) and is OOBER fun. So, that’s that! Any suggestions on increasing distance, speed training, or other cross training is super appreciated!
Thanks for reading!
Jenna runs 
I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT VERY OVERWHELMING. Maybe only advice is to talk to people who have done this and ask them what they did the first time. Online, not sure…….
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Yes! I agree. I AM thankful for the internet for my training schedule that I found, but I don’t think I’ll leave the experienced advise to Google. Always open to advise from others! (whether that be online or in person). There’s also a “Run On!” near me that I can go to with any questions, gear, etc. Thanks for your advise!
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My first marathon will be this fall as well and I’m in the same boat for training. I’ve looked all over the internet as well and currently use the Nike+ app for training. It confuses me just how different all of the training programs are and what’s best for me. The only things I know are to increase my distance, muscular endurance, and don’t start off too fast. Otherwise, I guess it’ll be a learning process…
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Sounds like we are in the same boat! I think as long as we’re attempting and sticking to a training plan of some sort, we will be fine and like you said, will learn and know our bodies/capabilities better for next time!
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Good luck with Marathon training.. I’m blogging from the beginning of my Running Journey but ready (I think) to take on my 1st Marathon in 2017!
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Thank you! And that’s great!!! Keep it up! 😊
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J – I’m a professional distance coach/ follower of your blog. Perhaps we can collab in exchange for coaching. Feel free to email me: andrew@lifelongendurance.com
Thanks!
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I have done 3 Marathons and have been severely overweight each time. I have seen people far more fit than I not finish the marathon. I suggest you test yourself with distance and time. I, unintentionally, ended up motivating a friend to run a marathon this past February in Los Angeles. He lost over 70lbs! However, he still took over 7 hours to finish the marathon and we were both hurting the following week. Best of luck!
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Congratulations on your marathon! I agree, training is important – just because you’re a certain size or “in shape” doesn’t prepare you for that long distance! Thanks for sharing – that is a great accomplishment! And yay for motivating others as well! Great job!
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Hi! I’m about to run my first marathon on Sunday in Nagano, Japan! I’ve been training this winter in the snow, alongside skiing and swimming. I’ve done one speed session a week on a treadmill and made sure I’ve run once or twice a week outside – long run was always the important one. My biggest advice is build up slowly. Let your body recover. By the sounds of it you’ve got a decent plan in place. Good luck!
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Amazing! Japan! That’s great!! Thank you so so much for your advise! It’s great to hear what others are doing. Good luck this weekend with your marathon, I’m sure you’ll do great!!
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JENNA! This is so freaking exciting! I am in my first week of marathon training right now, I haven’t told anyone yet, so it’s not official online, but the training has started. I love your plan, sounds great. I am pretty sure that I will be at Vegas in November. I can’t wait to read more about your training!! So glad we connected!!! XOXO – Sarah
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Awesome!!! Exciting! Vegas should be a blast! Feel free to let me know what works/doesn’t work for you, training-wise, as this is my first marathon! I can’t wait to ready about your training and how it’s going! Great to connect 🙂
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love those tights!
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Thank you 🙂
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I love marathon, it’s my fav distance 🙂 my advice would be always hydrate and stretch every day, even rest days. And take your rest days- don’t be tempted to over train. Sounds like you the fit and focused so I’m looking forward to following your journey 😊😊
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Thank you so much for the advise and for reading! I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement – it means the world.
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There’s endless amounts of info and training plans out there, an overwhelming amount actually, but I’d recommend grabbing a copy of Advanced Marathoning (I’m no advanced marathoner!). Even if you don’t want to follow the plans in it it’ll give you an idea what type of workouts to try incorporating and a ton of other advice. Best of luck with your training!
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Thanks so much! I’m actually now collaborating with Coach Simmons with Lifelong Endurance – he gives me all my weekly workouts and it’s helped a ton. Thanks for the book suggestion! Will look into it for sure!
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