Marathon question???Please give me some advice!!!?

Question

I have been running on the high school xc team for 3 years and love it! I have decided that I want to train to run a marathon this coming summer for my senior project...the most I have run distance wise is around 10 miles. I was wondering if there are any experienced Marathon runners out there who would be willing to give me some pointers!!Thanks!!!

Answer 1

You've already got some good pointers. I'd say you should be able to train and finish the marathon in good shape. Here's my input:

1) always run in the shade
2) take on water every 20 minutes while running
3) don't try to "run thru" pain. Your body is telling you something
4) I strongly recommend AGAINST 2-a-days. When you get older and become world class, then think 2-a-days
5) always take 1 day a week off
6) you will be able to run 3 times your AVERAGE daily mileage. This means if you run 9 1/2 miles 6 days a week you're good to go. The trick is that you need to get in several 18-mile runs, and at least 2 20-22 milers several weeks before the race day.
7) the reason for the long runs is MIND OVER MATTER. Your mind can get pretty wierd between 18-26 miles.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Runnersworld.com has several marathon running plans and tons of information regarding marathon training and tips for the actual event.

My personal pointers:

I usually only increase my mileage 5 to 10% a week as I build up.

Do some hardcore training on some hills.

I try to run some long splits (15 miles in the morning before work and 15 miles in the evening after work). I really helps when you hit the "wall" towards the end of the marathon.

During my taper, I will swim or elipitical train and rest.

Along with a $10 bill, I also pin some toliet paper or tissue to the inside of my singlet. I know sounds stupid until you stop at a Porta John with no paper.

Answer 3

If you want to complete the marathon and not worry about running a fast time then you will need to average 8 miles each day for 2 months before the race, along with doing a couple of long runs.

If you have a good base of distance training from school then you can gradually increase your mileage.
Being able to run 10 miles and having your race experience you have a head start on most first time marathoners.

You can begin to run 10K races to get used to a longer race.
The important thing is to go easy, don't increase your mileage a lot, so you are not injured.

Answer 4

I would advise against competing in a marathon over the summer before your senior year if you want to have a good last season in XC. The training is more endurance based, you will lose foot speed. Also, you have a bigger risk of injury in training for a marathon then summer training for XC.

So you may want to think twice.