Theres nothing like an ambitious goal to focus your training, and running a marathon definitely fits the bill.
Heres how to know if a marathon is a realistic goal for you.
Aslew of politicians and actorshave run marathons.
Sean Combss goal in 2003 was reportedly to beat Oprahs 1994 time.
ACouch to 5Kprogram is perfect for that starting stage.
If youre new to exercise, do that.
If youre already an athlete, though, an accelerated plan isnt so farfetched.
So you dont need to build fitness; you just have to get used to running.
Then you could jump into a training plan.
Even people who have done marathons before will use a structured program for each race season.
Nobody stays in marathon shape year-round.
you could find a series of well-respected marathon programs for freeat HalHigdon.com.
Theyre pretty typical of plans youll find elsewhere, including the onesbuilt in to training appslikeRunkeeperandNike+ Run Club.
On any program, expect to go running at least four times a week.
A typical program has at least three shorter runs, and one long run.
Instead, youll be doing maybe five-milers on the weekdays, and one grueling 20-miler on the weekend.
Thats a serious time commitment.
But the peak week, when you do that 20-miler, totals almost seven hours.
Fullyhalfof that is a single long run that will eat up your entire Saturday morning.
If this sounds like too much, stick to shorter races.
Its time to pick a marathon.
Most cities only have one marathon, so you’re free to take the date or leave it.
If you want more options, you may have to travel.
When to sign up depends on which marathon you choose.
In 2016, it didnt even sell out untilthree weeks before race day.
Marathon registration refunds can be difficult or impossible to get.
You have to show up even when you dont want to.
It takes a ton of time.
You will come home sore.
In the process, you will learn to take care of your body.
Youll have to eat well to fuel recovery, and youll find yourself sleeping more.
If you run with training partners, youll get to know them pretty well.
If you dont, youll spend a lot of time with your own thoughts.
Youll give up your Saturday mornings.
Over the weeks and months, your runs will get longer and longer.
Thats because long runs are hell on your body, and you need time to recover.
Your body will feel great, but your brain may enter a state that runners call taper crazy.
Did you train enough?
What will you do with your newfound free time?
Have you overthought your race day outfit yet?
Thats when youll know it was all worth it.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
