1. Get a training schedule. This time around I decided to tryout a Hal Higdon schedule. I went with the Novice 2, since it looks a little harder than the ones I've done before. I want to improve my time so we will see if this helps with that.
2. Get a training buddy. Having someone counting on you to run the long runs with makes all the difference in the world. For one it gets you out the door on Saturday when you would rather sit on the couch and eat ice cream. Second, it gets you to run your weekly runs because you know they are doing theirs and you have to keep up with them come Saturday. Last and most importantly, it makes running 20 miles seem like a social event rather than pure torture. Its amazing how quicker long runs go when you have someone to shoot the breeze with. Before you know it your are a mile from home and wondering where the time went and how your legs are still going. It also builds friendships like no other. Once you've run a marathon together you are tight, no way around it :)
Jamie and I warming by the fire before Odgen.
3. Purchase a treadmill. Or at least have one you can get to easily. I didn't buy the most expensive one out there and I have totally been pleased with it. Buying a treadmill was the best thing I've done for my marathon training. Before kids I wasn't too fond of running on the treadmill, but it is so convenient. I can put the girls down for their naps and then go run 6 miles in the next room. Kaelyn loves to watch me run on the treadmill. Its something that we can do together. I set her up a with a plethora of toys to play with and she is set.
4. Find a fun show/series to watch while your are running on the treadmill and ONLY watch it when you run. It makes it exciting to go do your runs because you want to see what happens next. My thing these days is watching the Voice. It takes about 2 1/2 runs to get through the whole show. When I start running more miles during the week I'll have to find another show to watch. The iPad has come in extra handy for this. There is always something on Netflix to watch.
5. If your kids are small enough buy a jogging stroller and go out once or twice a week and run with them. I can't wait for it to warm up and tryout my "new" (used) Bob double jogging stroller. Kaelyn and I put in a lot of miles back in 2010 and she loved it. I started her as soon as I could so she would be used to it. It was just fun to be out enjoying nature and watching her enjoy it too. Can't wait for Bryn to join us on our runs around the lake near our home.
6. Sign up for your marathon right away. Once you have paid your hard earned cash for that thing, you have got to do it. At least that is how I look at it. More motivation to do all your training runs so you are ready for the big day. Marathons aren't cheap, but if it gets you moving its worth it!
7. Buy nice socks (I'm talking $10 a pair socks). Yes I know it sounds crazy, but it is sooo worth it. They last a really long time though. I have a couple pairs from 2007 that I'm just now retiring, probably after running over 800 miles in them. Trust me, one big nasty blister and you will be on the way to the running store for new socks. By the way, thanks to my husband I learned that if you do have a blister you can tape it with duct tape and run your little heart out. Four of my toes are covered in nasty blisters from playing 3 basketball games in 24 hours, so I taped them up for my run today and I didn't even know they were there.
Balega is my favorite brand. Wayne just gave me a couple pairs for Christmas and I use them for my long runs. I use my older ones for the shorter ones.
8. Go to a running specialty store to buy your shoes. They will watch you run and help you pick out the best style of shoes for your gait. Once again good shoes are very expensive, but if you don't take care of your feet, you won't be running long. I still remember when I first starting running in high school. Back when I though a mile was a LONG run. I used to lace up my old worn out basketball shoes and head out. I'd come back with blisters, aches and pains. No wonder I thought running was torture. Just something coaches used to punish us. Once you figure out the style and brand of shoes you like stick with them. I keep an eye out online and once they come out with a new model I can find the older model for about $30-$40 cheaper. So I stock up, even if my current shoes have more miles left to run. I have a nice squeaky clean pair in my closet that are waiting for their turn to hit the pavement. Shoes last anywhere from 300-500 miles. I can usually tell when mine are ready to be retired because my ankles and hips are sure to tell me.
I'm a Saucony Omni girl. They are a stability shoe that I need because I over-pronate when I run. They are also a wider shoe that works well with my wide feet. You won't catch me wearing stilettos, for many reasons, but my wide foot is one of them. (Nothing against stilettos, I just don't wear heels, they don't go well with my accident prone gene) Can't wait till they come out with a new model so I can add these sweet puppies to my regimen. If you can't tell by my blog, I kinda like that blue on the sole. Just kinda...
Well its getting late so I'll stop there for tonight. I'll keep you all posted on how the training is coming and any new "tips" I have to share. Seriously, if I can run a marathon, anyone can. Before my first marathon the farthest I'd run at one time was about 5 miles.
Questions anyone??
