The first marathon is always a big challenge, but if we prepare well for our first start, we have a chance not only to finish the race, but also to achieve this goal in a decent time. Of course, it is crucial to choose the optimal date and sign up for the competition, but if we receive a confirmation that we have been qualified to participate in the race, our preparations do not end there at all. What is more, only then can we talk about their inauguration.
Of course, the first step should be to prepare a good training plan. What is important, it should be present not only in our heads, but also on paper, because otherwise we risk not being properly motivated after just a month. A marathon is a serious distance, and it is only possible to overcome it when you approach it with humility. There are no people who would complete the race without preparations, and it is certainly not worth checking whether we would have succeeded in doing it ourselves, because the project itself would be extremely dangerous. The absolute minimum is six months of preparation, although if we start training a year before the marathon, nobody will accuse us of excessive or unjustified overzealousness.
Of course, not all of us have the necessary knowledge and experience to create a training plan. In this case it seems much better to ask a professional trainer for help. Contrary to the fears of many runners, this does not entail excessive costs. The trainer will take into account not only our main goal, which is to start in the marathon, but also our temperament and the number of trainings that we are able to conduct during the week.
If we want our preparations to be as cost effective as possible, it may be a good idea to join a cross-country club. Trainings usually take place in small groups, which makes it possible to compete and support each other with other runners. In the vast majority of cases their presence is an additional motivation. It is worth thinking not only about covering longer and longer distances in a shorter and shorter time, but also about strengthening trainings, which are supposed to prepare our muscles. Training aimed at running involves the use of weights on the legs, but also strengthens the body, back and buttocks. Here, too, it is good to take advantage of professional support.
