| To run a marathon well, you must pace yourself. | | | | to cover greater distances at a faster pace. |
| This is reflected in the training of both your body | | | | You may choose to visit the gym alongside your |
| and mind, in preparation for your race. You must | | | | own marathon training. Make sure you receive a |
| be dedicated to improving your physical fitness | | | | proper induction on all the equipment before you |
| and have the motivation and determination to | | | | start on the machines. It's also useful to ask for a |
| stay focused on your training schedule and the | | | | fitness instructor to talk you through what |
| goals you set yourself. | | | | muscles each piece of equipment works on and |
| Decide on a marathon training schedule that gives | | | | to agree a workout program that will benefit you |
| you plenty of time to work up to a good level of | | | | the most. |
| fitness before race day. Rushing your training | | | | Remember that it's not just about your training |
| won't do your health any favors and won't be as | | | | either. To prepare for a marathon you need to |
| effective as a steady training regime. Endurance | | | | eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to |
| racing isn't just about pacing yourself during the | | | | maximize your metabolism and ensure you are |
| race. Making sure you don't over train and | | | | not putting on excess fat. Eating smaller, more |
| gradually building up fitness is the best way to | | | | frequent meals and eating lots of fresh fruit and |
| prepare you body for long distance running. | | | | vegetables will help you to lose weight that will |
| Before exercising, always warm up first. A good | | | | slow you down in the race and also take in the |
| ten minutes of stretches and loosening up of all | | | | most energy from your food. |
| the muscles and joints in your body is essential to | | | | Marathon training should not exhaust you. The |
| get the most out of your training session and to | | | | gradual build up of longer jogs, mixed with timed |
| ensure you don't have aches and pains the next | | | | runs and practice races makes the best kind of |
| day. Take it slowly. You should begin training at | | | | progress in endurance fitness and the ability to |
| least six months ahead of your marathon goal. | | | | run long distances. Your training will be maximized |
| There's no rush to increase your training. | | | | by a healthy mental attitude and your success at |
| Consider how many times a week you are going | | | | setting and achieving realistic goals. |
| to train, how far you will jog and the route you | | | | When it comes down to race day, make sure |
| will take. It's healthy to practice with a partner, | | | | you are ready. The months of hard work will pay |
| who can keep you motivated and keep a | | | | off and, although it won't be easy, there is no |
| watchful eye on your progress. A beginner's | | | | doubt that your dedicated marathon training will |
| schedule should include a 20 minute jog at least | | | | leave you incredibly satisfied and fulfilled when you |
| three days a week. This can be built up over time | | | | cross that finish line in great time. |