How to train for a marathon?

[Anonymous]

So I want to start training for the new york marathon 2012. But I am cluless on running. I am 5'8 at 250lbs and I would be starting at square zero. Some suggested that I start walking a mile a day but since I walk a lot to begin with, one mile would be nothing. Are there any good sites on how to start training for the marathon? plus what's the best place to find running shoes? Also nutrition wise what's the best diet to do this?

[hallieb26]

So I've never ran or trained for a marathon, but I really like to run so maybe I can help a bit. If walking a mile is too easy you could try running for some parts of it to start to build up your endurance. There are tons of sites out there that have workouts you can do to start training. One that I've heard of, but have never done is the couch to 5k plan. (c25k.com) Its not a marathon, but it could be a good place to start. As far as running shoes go, my favorite brand is mizuno, but you can go try on shoes at any sporting goods store in your area to see what best works for you. I think you should focus small first, perhaps with something lie the c25k plan, and then once you achieve that you can keep going. Start with small goals and work towards those. That way you will see yourself achieving these goals because if running a marathon is all you are focused on it may be more difficult because of lengthy training process. Go for small milestones (pun intended haha) and build your way up to your ultimate goal. You can even do some 5k runs or walks throughout your training process. Good luck!

[hallieb26]

Also music helps me a lot when I go to run long distances. And if you can see if any of your friends want to join you, having a partner who will hold you accountable makes things like this much easier.

[Asker]

I don't really have the support. I asked a family member of mine and she says its too cold. I think the cold weather is best. Further more you warm up after a while. Lol. I heard that people lose toenails Yikes. I don't want to lose toenails but from reading some forums I heard correct shoes can prevent loss of nails

[Asker]

.II want to run for a cause though. more so the New York Blood Bank. Give blood save a life kinda thing. That would be my motivation right there

[hallieb26]

Yeah you definitely want to get some good shoes, you'll probably end up buying at least two pairs throughout your training process. Check to see if there are any smaller stores that specialize in running shoes in your area. Go tell them what you are looking for and I'm sure they can help. The only thing is that they may be a bit more expensive. Personally I prefer to buy online because I know the brand I prefer and I just buy older models for much cheaper.

[AshlynGrace]

Get yourself a good pair of running shoes from a nike store. I have nike air with supports in the inner sides of my feet. Have a person fit a shoe to your foot. There are different types of running shoes for different types of feet. Eat heathly and that means no grease. Fresh fruits and vegatables. Eat six times a day. Breakfest, lunch and supper with three snacks. Snacks could be yogurt or fruit.

Now the weight issue. Get to the gym or you can exercise from home. Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 is an awesome work out.

How do I know all this? I am a fitness freak and I have to be in shape. My job requires it. Plus I like looking good. :)

Hope this helps you.

[WeaponZero]

What is your job? O.o

[AshlynGrace]

Can really say, but I work in law enforcement.

[Asker]

I used to fun track. But never long distance running. About 2 months ago I decided to access my running abilities and I jogged four laps around the field without stopping. I remember being able to do more than that. I plan on seeing the doc though to make sure torn meniscus I had is completely healed. People say I should start by walking but I live in NYC all we do is walk everywhere. The diet I know will be a prob for me but inorder to check this off my bucket list I will just have to do it

[BeerME]

Set realistic goals. I'm not saying you won't be running a marathon within a year, but the odds are against you and you should try to force your body to do more than it's capable of. It's good to push yourself, but you have limits and you need to pay attention to them. People die running marathons. I would start out with the couch to 5k program and then increase distance from there. It's also a good idea to talk to a doctor before starting serious training for a marathon.

Best of luck to you Anonymous, If you set your mind to it and work hard you can do it. Just be safe out there.

[BeerME]

meant to say "should NOT try to force your body to do more than it's capable of" by the way.

[Asker]

I figured that's what you meant. Thx beer me

[WeaponZero]

At 250 lbs you have a long way to go to be marathon ready. It took me two years of busting my ass to lose the 117 lbs I've lost. And you're not just talking about fat loss, you're talking about turning yourself into an athlete. That's taking it to a whole other level. Honestly I don't think the 2012 one is realistic. The 2013 one, however, could be.

[Asker]

I will take that into consideration while still shooting for 2012

[Anonymous]

Wow. That's a tad ambitious. But good luck regardless. I'm in pretty decent shape and I couldn't even imagine doing that. 26 miles is FAR

[Asker]

I have always wanted to do it. This year I decided that I wanted to be more outgoing and explore NYC and I d?d it. Next year I want to run the Marathon and I will do it.

[Asker]

Btw I can't think about how far 26 miles is, all I am gonna do is start with 1 mile and let you know.