Run a MARATHON

Marathon running is an enjoyable sport for many people from all walks of life, with some devoting their entire day to training for the marathon while many fit the training in around everyday activities and work responsibilities. Whatever your motivation and deadline for running a marathon, with the right training plan and a determined attitude, you'll achieve your goal.

1.Achieve a base fitness level. Having the determination to get fit is the first step to improving your life––human beings are meant to be fit and our bodies are designed to be physically tested, and with gradual yet consistent training, your fitness will be restored quickly and you'll be able to keep improving.

2.Purchase running gear appropriate for running training

3.Adopt a good running style suited to you. Find ways to remind yourself to relax when you're running and you'll experience a much smoother running style.

4.Get started. Train on easy routes to begin with and avoid inclines or anything that might make the run difficult or uncomfortable. Aim for short runs to start getting your body used to the feeling of running.

5.Consider joining a running group or club. Even if you don't plan on training with the club regularly, it's a good way to get reputable information and advice and there will undoubtedly be events that you'll be interested in entering to test your progress. It's also a great source of motivation to be among people who have similar goals and interests as you.

6.Enter your first running race. Many runners consider that it is helpful to train for shorter long distance races as a way of gauging how they're doing; shorter distances allow you to assess your performance and readiness for longer distances.

7.Move on to a half marathon. Once you're comfortable with the long distance races of at least 10km (6 miles), the next sensible step is to try a half marathon. At this level of running, you're now capable of running the half marathon and you're not far off running a full marathon either. There are many possible training plans for beginner half and full marathon runners and you must spend time doing research into the different suggestions for appropriate training.

8.Once you feel that you're comfortable with running and you've proven to yourself that you've built up the needed stamina and longer distances, consider committing to a full marathon.

9.Settle on a marathon training plan. Again, as with the half marathon, you'll need to do the research into an appropriate training plan matching your fitness, abilities and terrain to be run.

10.Be aware that other people and events are likely to be impacted by your marathon training. The rest of your life will happen while you train––work and family commitments remain the same! You'll need to talk to people about what you're doing to help them to understand and to ensure that you can get the time needed to attend to your training. As well, their moral support will be vital as much as their preparedness to not see you about much.

11.Prepare yourself mentally. Marathon training isn't only physical––it's also about mental training and there are plenty of things you can do to enhance your ability to complete the race.

12.Make sensible dietary choices in the days prior to a marathon. Eat healthy carbohydrates but take care not to overeat anything, as you don't want to gain weight in the lead-up to the race.

13.Run your marathon. On the day, be prepared as with the half marathon––have all your gear and supplies in order and ensure that your training leading up to the marathon day has left you with refreshed and rested muscles (it's recommended to lay off running for two days before the race[1]).

14.Plan for after the marathon. The marathon is over but you're still pumped. Have someone help you after the race–you'll need warmth, drinks and food. And you'll need a lift home with someone who hasn't just run a marathon. Have it all worked out before you run so that you can let the other person take charge of these things while you bathe in the excitement of your achievement.
Source: wikihow.com