Thinking Of Getting Fit This 2019? Try Running A Marathon | Here's How You Can Do It

February 20, 2019 Guest User

Most of us strive to be fit and healthy, especially when the new year rolls around. We’re always concerned when we gain a few kilos causing us to eat healthier and amp up our exercise routine.

It’s time to get your New Year’s resolutions in order.

Now, the question is:

Is there a better way to get fit other than training for a marathon to accomplish your fitness goals?

Running a marathon has its own distinguished physiological advantages which can’t be undermined. This is the reason why hundreds and thousands of marathoners join together at different events every year across the world.

Here are some benefits to training for marathon:

Surprising Benefits of Training For a Marathon

Add structure to your day

To prepare for a marathon, you’ll be running daily or several times in a week. This adds consistency and structure to your daily routine.

Burn 10 times the calories

An average female runner burns 2300 calories over the course of 26 miles in the marathon.

Gain a sense of accomplishment

Take training for a marathon as a challenge and set realistic goals to accomplish it. You’ll burn more calories, and it’ll give you something new to check off your bucket list.

Motivation to eat healthier

Apart from exercise, a healthy diet is vital in keeping fit. Training for a marathon will push you to towards eating healthily.

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How to Train For a Marathon

Here comes the important part. You know the benefits and you’ve made up your mind to run a marathon this year but how do you train for a marathon?

There are certain precautions and requisites to be aware of before running a marathon. The following will help you train better for a marathon:

Set Your Base Mileage

Aim to run three to five times a week, building your base mileage up to 50 miles. Run at a relaxed pace and never exceed your mileage by more than 10% from week to week.

Additionally, start training 12 to 20 weeks before the marathon begins.

Work On Your Speed

Speed work is an optional element but if you do incorporate it into your training, it can help immensely. Improve your aerobic capacity, increasing stamina.

Also, always warm up and cool down at the beginning and end of ever speed workout.

The Long Run

Help your body efficiently prepare for the longer distance you will be covering in the marathon. Do this once every 7-10 days. Extend the long run by a mile every week. Give your body ample rest and recovery time after and in between the long runs. Injuries of the knees and lower limbs are possible if you overdo long runs.

Rest and Recovery

This is as crucial as the other steps in training. Rest and recovery are essential to avoiding mental and physical exhaustion. Marathon training can be strenuous and if you do not give your body enough recovery time you will be susceptible to injuries.

Comfort

Focus on hydration, food intake, and always opt for comfortable shoes. The right pair of shoes can help you prepare effectively and prevent unwanted injuries.

Here’s a look at upcoming marathons:

Upcoming Marathon Events

1. Safari Zoo Run - 24 February

2. Singapore Cancer Society – TalkMed Relay For Life - 2 March

3. MetaSprint Series Singapore - Duathlon - 10 March

4. J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge - 28 March

5. Terry Fox Run - 31 March

6. HAVOC Obstacle Course Race - 6 April

7. 2XU Compression Run Singapore 2019 - 7 April

8. Mizuno Women’s Run - 7 April

9. INLA ‘Back to Nature’ Walk and Run - 14 April

10. 50Hours Non Stop Run - 19 April