This Top 10 list is from MarathonRookie.com
There is a right way and a wrong way to train for a marathon. Below is a list of Top 10 Rookie Mistakes commonly made when training for a first marathon or half marathon.
#10 Underestimate Stretching
Many beginning runners finish a run and neglect to stretch enough or even at all. They then find themselves tight and sore and eventually with a running injury. Do not neglect the importance of stretching! Stretch within 15 minutes after every run and take your time. As you progress through training, add a few seconds to each stretch and build up to 20 seconds or more per stretch. Benefits will include less soreness, greater flexibility, longer stride, and much more. Do not underestimate the importance of stretching.
#9 Lack of Support
Many runners do not share there goal with their friends, family, or co-workers. Why not? Afraid of what they might say? Afraid you will tell them and then fail to achieve your goal? If so, that’s all the more reason to tell them! It will give you lots of extra (and needed) motivation. Fear can often be the most powerful form of motivation. Use it! They should be supportive of you. All you have to do is tell them you are training for a marathon or half marathon.
Do not feel compelled to keep them updated on your progress though. Unless they are a runner, they simply will not understand. Think of that friend or co-worker who insists on telling you about every shot they had yesterday playing 18 holes of golf. Do you really care to hear about it? I don’t! Still, tell them early on that you have decided to run a marathon or half marathon. It will work in your favor.
#8 Lack of Belief
Often, a beginning runner will start training and have a very difficult time completing their first 5-mile run. They don’t see how they can possibly run more than that, much less 13.1 or 26.2. They stop right there. Done. Finished. They CAN do it, but they can’t because they don’t think they can. Did that make sense?
“If you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.”
- Henry Ford
Choose to believe you can!
#7 Motivation
There are lots of things that can (and will) come up during training that can cause you to lose motivation. It is very likely that you will miss a run or more due to circumstances that come with life. Whether it is bad weather, illness, working late, mild injury, or whatever, NEVER lose sight of your goal and choose to see the situation as positive. Remind yourself of the feeling you will have when you achieve your goal. Do not lose motivation.
#6 Wrong Goal
Many first time runners naturally think they should set a marathon finish time goal. This is not the case. Your goal for your first marathon or half marathon should simply be to finish. If you push yourself too much, you are dramatically increasing the likelihood of injury and not even seeing the starting line. Set a time goal for your next marathon or half marathon. This may sound strange, but it is quite wise. Be smart and set the right goals.
#5 Wrong Training Program
This really relates to goal-setting. Many runners follow a program of greater difficulty because they want to achieve a certain time. Then they fall victim to injury or just can’t handle the program so they quit. Choose the right program for YOU!
#4 Starting Too Fast
Many runners begin their training and feel they can run more than the scheduled training. What do they do? They go the extra mile (or more). Sure, we were all taught to "go the extra mile" while growing up, but don’t take it literally! In any training program, there is a reason for gradually increasing mileage each week. If you feel really strong when you begin training and want to run more, PLEASE resist the temptation. By going the extra mile, you are substantially increasing the likelihood of injury. Stay with the program. Believe in yourself and the program. Achieve your goal!
#3 Lack of Knowledge
Many beginning runners decide they want to run a marathon or half marathon and just start running. No homework, no schedule, no advice, no nothing. They just start running because they think they simply need to get in shape to start training and then they will figure out the rest. In 2001, I fell victim to this one! I decided I was going to run a 26.2-mile marathon. I just started running to get into shape. One mile, two miles, three miles…I was a natural! Week 3 came along and, after running three miles, I decided I could double it and then ran six miles. The next week, I blew my knee out and was done before I even started training. While I must admit I am embarrassed to share this failure with you, I am glad to do so if you will learn from it. I’ve held up my end of the bargain! Will you do yours? Do not fail because of ignorance like I did in my first attempt. Educate yourself on training as much as you can before you begin training. If you are reading this, you are already on your way to beating the #3 mistake! Give yourself a pat on the back.
#2 Hydration
Many runners suffer from dehydration because they underestimate how much water their body needs during training. Drink during your long runs. ALWAYS weigh yourself before and after a run and get your body weight back to what it was before the run. Do this by drinking plenty of water. Your urine should be light yellow to clear. Dark yellow means you are not adequately hydrated and need to drink more water. Be smart and stay hydrated! Stay away from the hospital! Cross the finish line!
#1 Injury
Many beginning runners make the mistake of piling on mileage much too fast. Maybe they started training without even building up a base during pre-training! They notice soreness in their shins or knees and ignore it. They keep running and BAM!, it hits them. They’re done. Game Over. Be aware of the warning signs and how to treat them. Be aware that injuries can sneak up on you with NO warning. Be smart and start easy. GRADUALLY build up and take your rest days seriously. Remember how many of the other Top 10 Rookie Mistakes lead to injury. Do not let injury keep you from achieving your goal.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Top 10 - Rookie Mistakes Training For A Marathon
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tips For Nutrition And Diet
Tips are from runtheplanet.com
Peanut Butter as Running Food
Run Off Your Calories
Herbal Remedy Running Travel Kit
Pros and Cons of Energy Bars
How to Hydrate Properly for Running
Making the Best of a Fast Food Meal
Nutrition for Vegetarian Runners
How Caffeine Affects Runners
Eating for Endurance Running
Eating for Cold Weather Running
Herbs for Runners?
Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals for Foot Health
Salt and Runners
Eating Right For Your Blood Type
General Tips on Nutrition for Runners
Understanding Food Labels
Top Ten Summer Running Tips
By:© 2006 Stephen M. Pribut, DPM
1. Wear socks made of synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from your skin to help prevent blisters and athlete’s foot. For long distance running and long duration exercise, cotton is rotten.
2. Fit your running shoes or other sports shoes with the type of sock you intend to wear them with. Get fit each time you buy new shoes.
3. Don’t wear sandals when playing sports! Shoes (or barefoot where appropriate and safe) is a better bet. Barefoot beach volleyball, beach or groomed, safe, outdoor surface Frisbee, and some light running is just fine. In general though, be careful when running or walking barefoot outside. Cuts and bee stings are not fun for your feet.
4. Build up to your longer distance training slowly. Consider running your long distance runs earlier than usual to avoid midday heat and pollution.
6. Break in new sport shoes before racing or using them for a long run or workout.
7. Use sunscreen to prevent solar injury to your skin. Don't forget your feet at the beach. Try to avoid mid-day exposure between the hours of 10am-2pm.
8. Don't forget to replace your fluids on long runs, but avoid overhydration on events over 4 hours.
9. Do wear sport specific running shoes. Running shoes do not have the lateral support needed for tennis. Help yourself avoid ankle sprains and other injuries and do fit your running shoes or other sports shoes with the type of sock you intend to wear them with. Do replace your running shoes often. Replace them at least every 350 - 450 miles run.
10. Be careful running in low light conditions both because of road traffic, uneven pavement and also be aware of increased balance problems.
