One of the most frequent questions I am asked is "how do I run a marathon?" Normally, my response is to ask "why do you want to run a marathon?" The reason I ask is that there are many reasons why people want to run a marathon which I will get to, but I need to know the real reason in order to suggest a training plan to that runner. So, let's start with some of the reasons people have for wanting to run a marathon.
1) For ego. There are people who want to run a marathon, particularly a famous marathon such as Boston or the New York Marathon because they want to impress other people. They are looking for the "wow, you did that?" reaction. Rarely do people admit to this. Instead, they describe it as something on their "bucket" list or things to do before they die. I have no problem with people running a marathon for this reason. I need to know so I can build a program that will help the person achieve this goal. There are hundreds of books available which provide generic training plans, usually for an 18 week period that if you follow the plan, will result in finishing a marathon. That finishing takes 4 hours or more is irrelevant to the person collecting the finishers medal for bragging rights. Some of these people decide that they love the marathon and their goals change to:
2) To run the marathon in a personal best time. Preparing a training plan for this type of competitive runner is very complex given the differences in a runner's ability, prior training and racing and that most mystical criteria of all, "potential." Finding out the limits of potential can be scary and the greatest experience of one's life at the same time. It is scary because if a runner trains their best and races their best and STILL, it isn't good enough to win or place in a race, can be hugely demoralizing. It can also be the best experience of one's life because so few people are willing to find out what are the limits of their potential. I have to admit that coaching the type of runners who are willing to risk everything is the most rewarding for me. I find these type of runners to be courageous.
3) To run for a charity or a cause. These kinds of runners are similar to the "bucket list" runners in that running a fast time is not high on their priorities. Often these kinds of runners want to run in a group. Training these types of runner presents unique challenges. Among these are: 1) analyzing the abilities/experience/schedules of the individual runners and arranging a workout plan and schedule. 2) Teaching these runners the informal rules of racing so that while running for their charity, they don't spoil the race for the more serious runners. 3) Elevating their training to a level that will decrease the possibility of injury or illness.
4) To qualify for a big name MARATHON such as the Boston or New York marathons. Training plans for this type of runner have only one goal, to run a race at a time that will enable the runner to qualify for their dream race AND to assist that runner to run their best possible time. Training plans for this type of runner are very long term. Unlike the plans for the bucket list runner or the experienced marathoner seeking a best time, a 18 week plan is insufficient. There are actually two plans, the first leading to the qualifying race and the second for the dream race. A poorly thought out plan for either will result in not qualifying or running a poor "dream" race.
This is why I ask "why."
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