Are you seeking marathon beginner tips? If so, welcome to rundreamachieve. I am glad you have made it here.
Are you a marathon beginner?
So, what are some simple fundamentals that beginners can follow to better their efforts?
Of course, I can't expect a beginner to want to do 100 mile weeks. Also, to know what anaerobic threshold training is.
Perhaps, you simply want to finish a 5K, lose 5 pounds or complete their first half-marathon.
So, if you are a marathon beginner you have something many veterans don't have and that is stress over past races.
Focus On Now
Veteran marathoners can be sometimes too caught up in their past performances.
We can learn something from you in that when you are a marathon beginner everything is new.
No one wants to think about failures in their racing.
Let Go Of Worry
I need to hit this pace and hit mile 10 at the pace and if not I will not reach my goal.
We worry about the race and our strategy before we even toe the line.
Beginners can teach us all a thing or two.
I remember my first marathon. I didn't what I was going to run it.
My debut marathon was at the 2002 New York City marathon.
I had no mental barriers leading into the race. In addition, had never run 26.2 miles before. So, I just wanted to give it a shot.
Focus On These Tips
Marathon Beginner Tip #1
Don't Be In A Rush. This is crucial. So, let your body adapt to the stress you're giving it.
Running progress takes time and a great deal of patience.
Marathon Beginner Tip #2
Get More Sleep. As a beginner, focus on proper rest. Also, ensure you're in a more positive mental state.
Marathon Beginner Tip #3
Start Slow And Build. Try 5 minutes running followed by a 5-minute walk and repeat 5 times.
Running does not have to be complicated. So, as a beginner just focus on building mileage you run with each passing week.
Less stress equals better results. Of course, this matters for all levels of runners. A systematic approach will yield fitness results. That being said, you have to let it come to you, not force it.
Pool Running
Try Pool Running. Pool running is a great alternative to land running. Also, there is no stress on the ligaments and joints. In addition, it is close to equal to land running thanks to the water pressure.
Pool running is simply getting in the deep end of the pool and running.
This will take the stress off your joints and tendons most effected for beginner runners.
Marathon Beginner Tip #5
Visualize.
The power of visualization is the biggest asset you can bring to your training. We, as runners, spend the majority of our time and effort training the physical aspect of your preparation but how much time is invested in mental training?
Whether you are a beginner or a veteran of the sport visualizing what it is your want to achieve is critical.
Do Not Set Limits on Yourself.
A newspaper reporter asked my coach what he thought I could do in the future while I was still in high school.
His answer was,
I will place no limits on Nate cause he sets none on himself
I am telling you the same.
There are no limits aside from those you place on yourself. Remember, no one has the power to say you are limited to a certain time.
It is up to you how badly you want to work for your goals.
I have always trained and raced believing anything could happen on the perfect day. So, placing limits on yourself takes the joy away from what you're doing.
Marathon Beginner Tip #7
Find A Coach. The best thing about starting off as a beginner runner is you don't know what to expect, what may work, what won't.
A coach can provide a roadmap to get you to your goal.
Marathon Beginner Tip #8
Alternate Your Pace
These forms of runs are called fartleks, Swedish for ‘speed play'. It makes running interesting and can be fun.
You can alternate 1-minute runs of a harder pace with 1-minute of easier running. So, you can do this for 10-20 minutes.
A good technique I have suggested to beginner runners over the years is running light pole to light pole.
Sprint to one light pole and jog to the following and repeat.
You can make your fartlek runs more demanding by extending the amount of time you are running at harder paces. In addition, shortening the recovery between these harder efforts..
For example, doing 2-minute runs at a harder pace followed with only 1-minute of jog recovery and repeats this 5 times.
Marathon Beginner Tip #9
Find A Team To Be A Part Of.
There are numerous meet up groups across the country you can become a part of as a beginner.
If you are a part of a team you have others to help hold you accountable for your goals.
A strong support structure is so important, surround yourself with these people. Team members will help you adhere to these marathon beginner tips.
Marathon Beginner Tip #10
Do Sit Ups
A strong mid-section will help support your body while running. In addition, help you combat fatigue, especially in the beginning stages of your running program.
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Marathon Beginner Tip #11
Drink Coffee. Studies have show that coffee can improve athletic performance.
I always drink a cup of coffee before my morning runs and workouts. Of course, always the morning of a race.
It has just been a routine of mine, especially since joining the Army where early morning starts are the norm.
If you like coffee it is a great option.
Marathon Beginner Tip #12
Have Fun
The greatest thing about beginner runners is you have no limitations.
You, as a beginner, don't have past races you are fighting to better.
So, you have joy in what you are doing. Marathon beginner tips has to include this.
Lisa Rainsberger, sent me a message on my Facebook page (when I still had one) about her daughter, who is only 14.
She ran a 17.11 5K recently but what she said was priceless.
She does not wear a watch and trains only by the number of minutes on her training schedule. Also, she has learned to feel and embrace the pain that running offers. She is so green and raw and undisturbed. My little 14 year old is a gift.
Marathon Beginner Tip #13
Take Of Your Watch
Sometimes worrying about pace can cause more harm than good.
I ran my fastest marathon, 2.19.35, without even wearing a watch.
You can map out your running route. That being said, as soon as you know the distance just focus on doing your runs. It will take your mental focus off of concerning yourself with pace and just getting in consistent mileage as you build your fitness.
Remember, you never want to lose the want to get in better shape. No need to let anything get in the way of that.
Marathon Beginner Tip #14
Keep Your Sense Of Humor
Keep things light in training will help you so much as you get fitter and start asking more from yourself in workouts. So, keeping a sense of humor is one of the best marathon beginner tips I can provide.
Laugh and enjoy the experience, take a break from the running and watch something silly.
It will give you a break from the routine and keep your spirits up. Running is hard work and anyone wanting to lose weight or run their first race has to put forth some effort but don't forget to keep things light hearted. Fast don't lie??…
Marathon Beginner Tip #15
Pray. You may or may not be a believer but Christ says this in the Scriptures, “With man this is impossible, not with God, ALL things are possible with God”.
I firmly believe there is a higher power that lives in us.
If you look at the Tibetan monks and martial artists they have trained their bodies in such a way that nothing can penetrate their flesh. They call it ‘chi' or the body's life force.
Have you ever been a flow state? Where you didn't even realize what you were doing and time seemed to just fly? I have always believed that getting these mental and physical state is a near-God-moment.
This is a simple yet extremely powerful tip to for runners, beginners and veterans, focusing on Bible verses that will encourage, uplift and get you into the winners mindset.
Make sure to visit and subscribe to the RunDreamAchieve YouTube channel. I create new videos there each week to help runners like yourself get better results. I hope this post on marathon beginner tips has been helpful to you.
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