Whether it’s your first or fifteenth, deciding to train for a marathon is a big step. In most cases, you’ll be committing to 4-5 months of early mornings, sore muscles, and a bigger grocery budget, so it’s prudent to really take your time before submitting that race registration form. If completing 26.2 miles is on your mind, these questions can help you decide if you’re truly ready.
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What’s your running history?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to signing up for a marathon. Some lifelong runners never run 26.2 miles, while many people might target a marathon as their first race. However, if you’re new to the sport, it might be beneficial to take a more gradual approach and build a base before jumping into an event that requires multiple-hour training runs, increased fueling, and a months-long time commitment. If you’ve been running regularly for at least a year and feel comfortable completing runs in the 6-7 mile range, consider yourself in a good spot to begin marathon training.
What do the next 6 months of your life look like?
Life is always going to be busy, but if you know there’s a big event on the horizon (e.g. a move, a job change, a marriage or divorce), it might be a good idea to delay marathon training to avoid spreading yourself too thin. The good thing about marathons – even the big, famous ones – is that they happen every year, so there will usually be an opportunity in the future. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule – maybe a running challenge is just what you need to distract yourself from hard things. Consider your mental and physical capacity before officially signing up.
Do you have adequate financial resources?
Many people will tell you that running is practically free, and while you technically only need a pair of trainers, races can become expensive. Between three-digit race fees, transportation, hotels, and the cost of gels, expenses can quickly add up. If you’re feeling a strain on your budget, it might be a good idea to focus on smaller races or at least local events that won’t require travel.
What are your body’s weaknesses, and are you ready to address them?
Training for a marathon puts a much bigger demand on your body, so while your achy knees might still get you through some easy miles, preparing for 26.2 miles is different. If you’ve been slacking on strength and mobility or have a chronic issue that flares up from time to time, plan to address things before you start training. A good place to start is with a visit to a physical therapist. A professional with experience in running can help identify imbalances and create a plan for strong and pain-free training.
What’s your reason?
There will undoubtedly be early mornings and sore muscles, so knowing what keeps you going is key. Maybe it’s the charity you've committed to fundraising for, or perhaps it’s the promise to yourself to get in the best shape of your life. Whatever it is, try to remember your “why” when things feel challenging and you consider bailing.
How’s your support system?
Ultimately, only you can train your body for the demands of a marathon, but having a robust support network will undoubtedly make the process easier. If you have a partner, consider discussing your plans with them before training starts; outline your goals for the next few months and how they can support you. Whether it’s watching the kids while you knock out 20-mile runs, cutting back on late-night social events, or just planning their own activities during busy training weeks, having an honest conversation about expectations can help limit misunderstandings.
A local running crew can be another critical piece of your support network. Ideally, you’d link up with other runners who have similar training goals (a 5 am accountability buddy can be crucial!), but social media and sites like Strava can also provide connection and motivation.
Once you’ve thought through all the potential obstacles, feel free to hit submit on that race registration form and get ready to train!