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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Your First Marathon:
You Can Do It!

Posted November 12th, 2007 at 6:30 PM by Andrew Goodman

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Motivation, Training Tips, Cross Training, Health & Fitness, Exercise

Completing a marathon puts ordinary runners in the company of elite athletes—finishing a 26.2-mile run is an impressive accomplishment.

But you don’t have to be an elite athlete to join the ranks of marathoners around the world. With dedication and training, most runners can complete a marathon—and then have the satisfaction of being able to say, “A marathon” Yeah, I’ve done that.”

So don’t shy away from a marathon because it seems too hard, too long, too painful. With the right attitude and a good training regimen, it’s just 26.2 miles away.
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Progression Runs: Flexible marathon training alternatives

Posted December 21st, 2006 at 2:40 PM by Jenna Sumara

Section: Running & Training, Training Tips

It’s true, most runners love structure. There are countless training programs, workouts, etc that offer and promote such beloved precision and planning.

They detail exactly what pace to run at, for how long and on what terrain; often ensuring dependence on training assistants, sports watches and heart-rate monitors.

Although such training can be effective, it can also be very beneficial to take a break from such rigidity. These workouts offer freedom, alleviate a lot of the stress inherent to traditional training runs and will enable you to become more in tune with your body.
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First Marathon Uncertainties

Posted December 7th, 2006 at 7:00 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Training Tips

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

It’s perfectly natural for a runner to have a lot of uncertainty while training for his or her first marathon. There are so many things to question yourself about …

Am I running enough miles? Am I getting enough rest? Should my longest run be 18 or 28 miles….or somewhere in-between? How many 20 mile runs should I do? Should I structure walking breaks into my long runs? Should I do speedwork? If so, what kind and how much? Should I use sports gels and/or powerbars during my long runs? And on….and on!

Different marathon training plans or “experts” will give you conflicting answers. All are right and all are wrong for your specific needs!
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