Looking to become a marathon runner? Here are running coach chris truscott’s tips for creating your very own marathon preparation schedule.
In your beginner’s excitement, you might want to dive right into the marathon running world.
Accomplished running coach, and cofounder of Rejoov Runners, Chris Truscott suggests however doing a bit of soul-searching first if you’re truly considering it.
(Note: I fully trust Chris’ advice – he’s my trainer!)
So ask yourself…
- Will you be able to fully commit to a training program?
- How much time can you invest?
- Will your training program help you properly prepare for a full marathon or maybe just a half-marathon?
- Consider the people in your life as well — do they support you doing this? Their support as well as their respect for your time will be instrumental in establishing a successful training program.
Your environment and the support of your team (which includes your family) can greatly influence your success.
Try not to look at this new challenge as something taking you away from time with your family.
“Think of any interstate or overseas races as a sort of holiday for them—their reward for putting up with your training and the other changes in your life and theirs.”
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GET TO ASSESSING YOUR FITNESS LEVEL
Once you’ve decided what you can commit to, Chris suggests that the next step should be to decide what your objectives for the race are. Did you just want a fun experience or are you looking to establish a personal best?
Next, get a physical assessment with a physiotherapist. You need to already have a certain level of fitness to even begin a marathon training program. But, don’t let your current fitness level discourage you.
Talk to an experienced coach as well as your doctor. They’ll be able to devise a fitness program that can first get you into the shape you’d need to be in to begin your program. The typical marathon training program will be at least 18 weeks—keep that in mind.
electrostimulationChris trusts the Body Mechanics, for example. They can help you optimize your performance thanks to biomechanical assessments. They’ll educate you on the proper techniques to help prevent injury. You can test your limits in a healthy way and in a safe environment.
Related: The 40s – A Busy, Hard-Working Medical Family
Also, get an assessment of your training gear, especially your shoes. Your physiotherapist can help you in this area as well as a number of specialist running shoe stores that offer specific services for marathon runners.
Why not check out Running Science, for instance?
GOOGLE VS. A PERSONAL COACH
Think of some of the most elite and high-performing athletes in the world—they definitely have coaches and trainers around them to help them improve and perform to the best of their ability.
While we might like or feel the need to have this type of team surrounding us, it might not be feasible due to cost and other factors.
If you’re just starting out, you might not even find it necessary to take on a coach, let alone a team of coaches.
Chris has given us a handful of the pros and cons of having a coach. Based on your goals and personal commitment, you can decide for yourself if you might like to get a coach or simply stick to a “Google-researched” program.
Related: Getting Trapped in the Google Quicksand
PROS OF HAVING A RUNNING COACH:
“You can offload the decision-making to someone else and commit to an accountability partner.”
Letting someone with marathon running expertise figure out every step of your training will optimize your own performance.
“You’ll more easily be rid of those mornings where you’re tempted to sleep in.”
Your coach is not going to let you get away with that. It’s very easy to quit on yourself—not so much on someone else.
Related: What are Your Alarming Habits?
“You can benefit from their experience and learn from their mistakes.”
Experience is the best teacher but it doesn’t always have to be your own experience!
“They provide a sounding board and flexibility.”
They’ll be able to foresee any tweaks that need to be made in your program better than you might be able to as a beginner.
CONS OF HAVING A RUNNING COACH:
“The expense might be something you’d have to seriously consider.”
On the other hand, relative to the cost of an overseas marathon professional coaching is likely to be a minor additional expense but one that could have a big impact on the success of your training and ultimately your race.
“You can’t hide.”
The likelihood of your coach letting you get away with anything less than discipline and responsibility is not very high. Their reputation is on the line too.
“From the coach’s perspective, a marathon is risky business—it can chew people up and spit them out.”
Marathons are also about mental toughness. Balancing that with your fitness and the rest of your life isn’t easy and your coach knows this.
CHRIS TRUSCOTT’S KEY PILLARS FOR RUNNING MARATHONS
On your “hard days,” run hard. If you’ve committed to running hard today, then do the work you said you were going to do.
On those easy days, take it easy. Rest is just as important to your training and will also determine your performance. Make sure you get enough sleep; stretch and get regular massages if you can.
Be consistent. This is the most important pillar—if you keep on track with what you’ve set out to do, you will see an improvement, but only if you stick with it.
Related: How Did I Get Here?
FINAL THOUGHTS ON A MARATHON PREPARATION SCHEDULE FOR BEGINNERS
Don’t be afraid to give your training everything you have. You don’t want to be trying anything new during the race itself! Test yourself and take risks during training to see what works for you.
Chris believes that, when it comes to race day, a body on autopilot is the result of a good marathon training program.
“By the time you get to the race, your body will have a rhythm, knocking off the KMs like a metronome.”
With this type of foundation, you can begin stacking the building blocks of your very own marathon training program.
You’ve now learnt how to put together a marathon preparation schedule for beginners!
Are you wanting to live a life of adventure supported by financial security? It’s possible with the right game plan and support. Grab our FREE Live Your Dream toolkit to get started.
