Training Schedules
Most Marathon training schedules are 16 to 20 weeks in length. With less than this to go to April 15th it is important not to try and cram 16 weeks' worth of training into a shorter period; however if you'd like to follow the RunBrighton Marathon training schedules please click here.
Training & Fitness
Some key points to consider no matter what your state of fitness is follows:
1. Be consistent: routine is everything
2. Be patient: it takes time to get fit!
3. Be sensible: buy some good running shoes to reduce the chance of injury
4. Be social: find a training partner or group to train with
5. Be a learner: try to get advice from those who are already doing it!
Getting into the habit of training
Your first priority should be to start out gently and build up gradually. There’s no need to think big yet. Learn to walk before you can jog; then combine some walking with jogging; then start to shift the balance towards doing more jogging than walking.
Try to find a regular time of day to exercise. Maybe you’ll want to get it done first thing in the morning before the rest of the family is up and about, or perhaps fit it into your lunch-hour at work. Fixing a regular time in the day to exercise will make it easier for people around you. Soon they will expect to see you putting on your running shoes at a certain point in the day; this in turn should help you stick to your resolve.
Give yourself at least six weeks both to get used to a training routine and to see improvements in fitness.
Also remember that, as the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. To help you enjoy your training, use a variety of training options even if you want running to be your main thing. A workout in the gym, a cycle ride or a swim can also be good ways of building and maintaining fitness.
Here are a some easy-to read books to introduce you to some of the finer points of training:
For starting out on a training programme:
Running for Fitness, Owen Barder (A & C Black, 2002)
For aiming towards your first marathon:
Marathon Running: from beginner to elite, Richard Nerurkar (A & C Black, 2008)
