Marathon Training Tips
Marathon Training - Be Your Best
Welcome to our marathon training page.
Training for a marathon needn't be hard and with some resources below we'll provide you with some sound information to help you get started.
We'll provide some general marathon information, as well as more specific marathon training nutritional information.
Okay, let's get started.
Get Checked Out
If this is your first marathon, get checked out thoroughly We don't want you hurting yourself!
Next on the list is the right gear - don't buy the $10 pair just because they're pink and pretty! Go to a shop that specialises in running and have your feet properly assessed.
Minimise Training Injuries
That way, you'll get the right shoes for your feet and running style and minimise the risk of injury that would disrupt your marathon training.
In terms of clothing, I like the light stuff - usually a bit more expensive but the type of shirt that wicks away the sweat makes a huge difference to me and makes me about 1kg lighter at the end of a training session!
As for shorts - go with what is comfortable and, very important, avoid shorts that rub between your legs. I've had running shorts that feel like sandpaper rubbing against my inner thigh. You need to be comfortable and you need to avoid the irritating distractions that poor quality, non-running specific clothing sometimes provides.
Okay, Let's Start Training
So the first thing you need to do for your marathon training is learn from others - after all, it's no good rushing out and starting your marathon training only to find you're doing completely the wrong thing and injuring yourself.
Training Resources
Here are some of my favourite running resources:
- Cool Running - fantastic forums plus specific marathon training info.
- Gold Coast Airport Marathon training diaries (new interactive ones)
- Pat Carroll - online running coach
Also, check out the interview with age group Australian champion Campbel Maffett here - Campbell won the sprint, Olympic and long course triathlon in his age group in 2007 (35-39 yo) and is one of the most respected athletes in the sport.
He's also a terrific runner and is aiming for a sub 2 hour 30 minute at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this year.
Whilst Campbell doesn't talk specifically of marathon running, his entire approach to his athletic career is something I think everybody can learn from.
Start Slowly & Build
Whilst we'll be updating this page on a regular basis, our first bit of advice is to start slowly and build.
A marathon is a huge run to train for and, over time, you'd build your stamina, your knowledge on aspects such as injury prevention, running hydration, running nutrition and lots more.
Endurance Athlete's Guide To Success
Thirdly, check out the Endurance Athlete's Guide To Success - this hugely popular ebook from Hammer Nutrition for triathlon training that has been downloaded over 70,000 times! It contains the endurance training nutritional information you need to get keep your energy high during triathlon training and racing. Written by experts for the benefit of every level of triathlete.
Steve Born, author of the Guide, is widely acknowledged as one of the world's best ever ultra endurance cyclist and has a expert knowledge activities such as marathon running.
Steve's a regular visitor to Australia (his wife is Cassie Born - Cassie was the first non-American to win the gruelling Race Across America cycling event) and he gives seminars to Hammer customers and interested partries (we announce those seminars - which have a nominal fee - on this web site).
Some of Australia's (and the world) leading athletes use Hammer Nutrition products both in training and on their big race day.
Fueling Strategies For Triathlon Training
(Metric conversions for your convenience)
