Have You Ran a Marathon?

I am training for my first Marathon that will take place next May. It's my long term goal, but obtainable. I just read "Marathoning for Mortals" by John "The Penguin" Bingham (Runner's World columnist) and Coach Jenny Hadfield, (M.A. C.PT.).

It was SUCH a good book in advice and motivation. Very worth it to read, lots of good advice!

Good luck!!!

My fiance' has run several marathons. He actually coaches runners through "Luke's Locker" which is a runner's supply store in Allen, Plano and Dallas. Give Luke's Locker a call if you are interested in training with a group. My fiance' said training with a group was the best way for him to train. The people in training are separated by their experience and put with runner's close to their own current ability. The way my fiance' and his friends handle the heat is to get out to run in the morning as early as possible. They also are sure to stay very well hydrated. I hope to join the one day! Good luck.

The first marathon I ran I did it with Team in Training. This is a non-profit organization where you raise money for leukemia while training with a team to run a marathon. They have different locations you can choose from as well. I did the San Diego Marathon which is part of the Rock and Roll series where there is a band about every mile. I think it is great to get involved with a group to train....nice to have people to do those long runs with. Of course there is Luke's locker and I think RunOn has a program as well. There are also different running magazines that will usually pbulish a training schedule a couple of times a year. As far as diet goes it really isn't any different than what you should be doing anyways. 5-6 meals a day with a break down of 40% protein, 30% carbs and 30% fat. The other suggestion is to watch your calorie in take. A lot of time people start training for events like this and they think they can eat anything because of all the workouts they are doing and end up gaining weight. I can help you figure out how many calories you should be consuming in a day if you like.

As far as the heat goes I would train early in the morning if possible or hit the treadmill.

If you're running 4-5 miles, you should be able to easily train for a marathon in 6 months. Granted, running in the Texas heat will be a challenge, but you will be doing the longest runs when it starts to cool down. You might want to keep up your current load and train over the winter and find a spring marathon.

And get a partner. It doesn't have to be a group, but a motivated partner is key. You might also try to line up a couple of friends for your training runs. They could even just run part of the way.

Eating isn't a big deal. Every body is different. (Just don't eat more than you burn.) I found that I ran best on a light breakfast (e.g., melon). For the longer training runs, bring something like Clif Bar Shotz (semiliquid sustenance) or get some gatorade. Maybe a friend or hubby can meet you at a designated point in your run with provisions.

Don't train too hard. Don't up your miles too quickly. No need to run more than 20-22 miles for your longest training run, and make sure it's a week or two before the marathon.

And there are a ton of resources online with sample training schedules. Choose one that works for you. Cross-train if possible.

Good luck!

Hi H.,
When I trained for the New York City Marathon, I had access to on-line training advice, a training schedule (I think that it was 16 weeks assuming that someone was able to run 8 miles straight at the beginning of training...look at NYRRC.org and see if they have a schedule that works for you.), and loads of local races to keep me motivated. Do you have a road running club close to home? I'm not usually someone who likes group exercise, but being part of a group allowed me to pick and choose events to take part in depending on when I thought that it would help to motivate me. There are great books about proper hydration and nutrition tips, too. I'm really impressed that you're ready to do this! All 3 of my marathons were run prior to having my daughter (and now I'm lucky to get in two 4 mile runs/week!). I think being mentally ready and excited to do it is at least 80% of the challenge! It'll help you to get through the long training runs and the wear and tear. You'll definitely need someone who can baby sit for you when you're doing the long runs. You'll also need a couple of good pairs of sneakers (go to a runner's shop to buy them so that you don't get injured b/c of incorrect sneaks for your foot type!). Good luck and have fun!!!

You might want to try the Cool Running website. They have great training plans, programs, and tips for everyone from the absolute beginner to advanced. Best wishes to you!

DRC Fall 2011 Training Program & DRC Half and 5K !
(dallasrunningclub.com)

* Note: please DISREGARD THE EVENT DATE listed near the bottom of this page and on the your confirmation e-mail. This date is actually the end date of the program. The program will begin in mid July as noted.

Program Overview

This will be a 12-20 week affordable training program to help non-runners complete their first 5K (12 weeks) and runners and run/walkers complete the half and full marathon distances (20 weeks) in a fun, social, non-competitive atmosphere. We want to motivate and encourage runners to complete the training and get to the starting line injury-free. Group runs help participants stay accountable to their program.

This training program is only available to DRC members. If you would like to become a member, which also includes 8 free races a year, for only $25/year, click here. Participants receive a detailed on-line training schedule, short sleeve tech shirt, training and racing advice from experienced coaches and organized runs with your pace group every Saturday morning and Tuesday night.

Runs will begin at the DRC clubhouse or within a few miles of the clubhouse. Routes will vary depending on distance and start location. Generally, our half pace groups range from 1:40 to 2:30+ goal times and our marathon groups range from 3:10 to 5:00+ goal race times. We have dedicated run/walk groups as well at both distances. Saturday runs will start between 6 and 7 am, and Tuesday runs will start at 7 pm. We run in all types of weather unless the safety of the runners may be in jeopardy (such as lightning or tornadoes).

Registration will close on July 15th or when the participant cap has been reached. The risk of sellout for the half and full marathon programs before July 15th is high. You must sign up online for this program.

Program Benefits

Participants will receive the following benefits:

Training Schedule (written by RRCA certified coaches)
Short sleeve tech shirt
Organized long runs with your pace group every Saturday morning (6-7 am)
Organized runs with your pace group every Tuesday night (7 pm)
Program Goal Races

The primary goal races for the training program will be the DRC Half Marathon & 5K in November and the White Rock Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay in December. Additionally, those runners planning to run other races in the fall, such as the Marines Corps, Chicago or New York City Marathons will have the opportunity to join our groups and add additional mileage as needed to prepare for their particular goal race(s).

Program Requirements/Guidelines

If you are asking yourself if you are ready to tackle a 5K, half or full marathon, please refer to these guidelines. These are specific for our training program to make sure you are established enough in your exercise routine to tackle your goal while not compromising your health.

Beginners: No requirements for running. You should be able to walk for 30 minutes.

Half marathon training: at program start, participants should already be able to complete a 3-5 mile run or run/walk and are running or walking at least 30 minutes a couple times a week. Both newer and veteran runners and run/walkers are welcome as long as they meet these general guidelines.

Full marathon training: at program start, participants should already be able to complete a 6 mile run or run/walkand should be running or run/walking at least 3 times per week. The marathon program is NOT intended for new runners or runners that have not been running consistently.

Please consult your doctor before starting any new training program. By signing up for this program you agree to participate in this program at your own risk. DRC is not responsible for any health risks you may incur.

Pace Groups

For our half and full marathon programs, we have found that the best way to determine proper training pace to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury is to base it from a recent race or time trial you have run (see time trial information below). Pace groups will be created to match runners and run/walkers with similar race times. For those participants that do not have a recent race or time trial time to provide, we will match you to the best group possible. Participants may change groups during the season, particularly when subsequent race times are improved. There will always be some flexibility in the pace groups.

Our pace groups are led by DRC members that volunteer their time to motivate and help prepare training program participants to achieve their goals. If you are an experienced runner or run/walker and would be interested in volunteering to help, please e-mail the training program director at ____@____.com to learn more about being a pace group leader.

Communication

Pace leaders and coaches will use RaceNation as the primary means to communicate news, encouragement, and training tips to the program participants. It is the program participants’ responsibility to set up a RaceNation profile if they haven’t already and join the appropriate pace group. It is a free site and a great way to interact with other runners in the program.

Club Race/Time Trial for the Training Program

We recommend all non-beginner fall training program participants run in the DRC July club race, the DRC Independence 5K/10K on Saturday, July 2. This race will serve as a time trial to give us a baseline for determining your most effective training pace. Half marathoners may run the 5K or 10k. Marathoners should run the 10K. As a club race, it is free to all active members. In the event that you are not able to join us for this race, you can provide the time from another recent race or hard workout. If you do not have any of these to provide, we will find an effective pace group for you.

Date: Saturday, July 2 - DRC Independence 5k/10k

Time: 8 am

Place: Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake.

To get to Winfrey Point: From the intersection of Buckner Blvd and Garland Rd, go south on Garland Rd for 0.6 miles. Take a right on Emerald Isle (Barbec’s restaurant is there at the turn) and go approx. 0.5 miles. Take a left on Winfrey Point Drive at the dead-end, just past the ball fields on your left. The building at the top of the hill is Winfrey Point.

Orientation Meeting for Half & Full Marathoners

Date: Wednesday, July 20th

Time: 7 pm

Place: Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. See directions above.

At the orientation, we will

give an overview of the program
introduce pace leaders and coaches
hand out the training schedules
review runner etiquette/safety
answer your questions about the program.
First Training Run for Half & Full Marathoners

Date: Saturday, July 23rd

Time: 6 am

Place: DRC Clubhouse

The DRC Clubhouse is located at 1130 Beachview St. We will meet in the parking lot of the medical offices. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

* The orientation and first run for the beginners will be during the week of August 14th. More details to come.

PLEASE NOTE: By registering for the DRC Fall 2011 Training Program and DRC Half Marathon & 5K, you understand, agree, warrant and covenant as follows:

ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE DRC TRAINING PROGRAM, DRC HALF MARATHON AND 5K (COLLECTIVELY THE "EVENTS") AND RELATED EVENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ASSUME ALL RISK OF PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENTS AS STATED IN THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT BY COMPLETING THIS ONLINE REGISTERATION: The registered participant (the "Participant") and on behalf of Participant’s personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and executors, fully and forever releases from all liability, including negligence, the Dallas Running Club, Inc. and its Board of Directors, Race Directors and volunteers, the City of Dallas, the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Board, all municipal agencies whose property or personnel are used, all other sponsoring or co-sponsoring companies or individuals related to the Events, and their respective employees, agents, volunteers, representatives and affiliates (collectively the "Releasees"). Participant and on behalf of Participant’s personal representatives, assigns, heirs and executors waives the right to sue Releasees for all losses and damages that arise from any injury to Participant or Participant’s property or resulting in Participant’s death in connection with the Participant’s partaking in the Events including but not limited to losses or damage caused by the negligence of all or any of the Releasees, the negligence of others, weather conditions or otherwise, and also including any pre or post-race activities and any programs and/or giveaways conducted at the Events and/or activities by a sponsor or other third party. The Participant warrants that Participant is in good physical condition and is able to safely partake in the Events. The Participant is fully aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating in the Events, including the possibility of serious physical trauma, injury or death, and elects to voluntarily compete in the Events knowing such risks. The Participant acknowledges that bicycles, skateboards, baby strollers, roller skates or blades, and animals are not allowed in the Events. The Participant agrees to the use of Participant’s name and photographs in broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other media without compensation. The Participant acknowledges there may be drug testing under IAAF USAT&F rules and will agree to said rules. The Participant acknowledges that the registration fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable and that t-shirt sizes are not guaranteed. The Participant grants to the Medical Director of the Events, and its agents, affiliates, and designees access to all medical records (and physicians) as needed and authorize medical treatment as needed. The Particpant acknowledges that Dallas Running Club may use e-mail addresses on file to communicate information pertaining to the Events. The Participant acknowledges that the Dallas Running Club, Inc. has the right to alter, change, cancel and/or postpone any of these events as a result of circumstances that would affect or impact the event which are beyond their control. The Participant warrants that all statements made in this release agreement are true and correct and understands that Releasees have relied on them in allowing Participant to partake in the Events. PARTICIPANT, OR PARENT OR GUARDIAN IF UNDER THE AGE OF 18, HAS READ THE FOREGOING, UNDERSTANDS ITS CONTENTS AND INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY CERTIFIES COMPLIANCE BY ACCEPTING THIS WAIVER, AND THAT, IF UNDER AGE 18 PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED.

Contact Us

Read through this page but still have a question? Email the training program director at ____@____.com and Time
Start Date: For Members Only Start Time: For Members Only
End Date: For Members Only Approx. End Time: For Members Only
Registration Deadline: For Members Only Meet Time: For Members Only

Event Cost
Prepayment Required
Pricing Option Name Price Deadline
Beginners + DRC 5K (Nov. 6) $55.00 08/15/2011
Half Marathon Training + DRC Half $75.00 07/15/2011
Half Marathon Training Only - NO RACE $60.00 07/15/2011
Full Marathon Training + DRC Half $75.00 07/15/2011
Full Marathon Training Only - NO RACE $60.00 07/15/2011


Payment Details: By registering for the DRC Fall 2011 Training Program and DRC Half & 5K, you agree to the terms as stated in the above liability waiver.

I'm training for New York marathon with the Dallas Galloway group right now. I looked at Luke's Locker and RunOn but the Galloway schedule worked better for me. We do a long run on Saturday's now that the runs are over 10 miles we're going to start meeting at 5 am to beat the heat. I also do two runs during the week on Mon and Wed at 5 am for 30-45 mins. The whole Galloway program is a run/walk/run program geared towards not over training and getting you to the start line injury free. I looked at training on my own with one of the numerous programs you can find online but knew that it would be easier to stay motivated on the long runs if I was with a group.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

I did the Galloway walk\run program. I really enjoy the program. The first time I did the program I ran a full marathon. I decided one marathon was enough for me. I've done 4 half marathons since using the same program. There is a group in my area that gets together to train every Saturday morning. Having those group runs really does help you train.

I ran a marathon! Eugene 2010! It was an amazing experiance. My husband and I did it together (I don't think I could have done it without him).

We googled "26-week training program for a marathon" there are tons out there. We followed it religiously, mine is still hanging on my office wall along with my medal. :)

As for diet, there is also a lot of tips out there. I didn't make the best eating choices cause I was sooo hungry. But what I learned (towards the end) is that you need a replenishment every 5 miles (those gel things work great) it really keeps you going.

For the heat, I have no idea cause we trained in the rain a lot...its refreshing. I would suggest running in the early morning or late night, or jumping on a treadmill once in a while...

Take in a couple smaller races/runs during your training. It helps keep you excited. We did 15k in the middle of our training. It was like a little teaser. :)

Oh, and join www.dailymile.com ! Wonderful community of runners and keeps you motivated seeing your miles logged!
If you want more information, PM me. I would love to help!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!