The second month is to get to high double digits, and the third For example, maybe the first month is to increase your mileage to a Figure out what will work for you, but embrace the increase in mileage as a positive thing and a time to get outside, listen to music or a podcast or spend time with a running buddy. If you have to be at work at 7am everyday, it’s probably not realistic to schedule long runs before work. You need to know this going in so that you can make the time for training. I don’t throw out these stats to scare you, but to let you know that marathon training becomes a HUGE part of your waking hours. In other words, most of your runs will be at least an hour long, and some are even longer. Over the course of 4 to 5 days, that’s an average of at least 6+ miles each day. Most marathon training plans suggest running anywhere from 30-45 miles per week. So take a deep breath, tell yourself “I got this” and read on. (If you figure out how to do that, write a book on it and make millions!)īut these 9 tips will help you manage the overwhelming feeling that comes along with starting anything as big as running a marathon. Is this a step-by-step guide to conquering 26.2 miles with ease and being able to go dance afterwards? No. But if you’ve found this post, you’re taking the first step to elevate the positive emotions and banish the negative ones.Īs a Type A individual, I tackled my first marathon training like everything else in my life–with a carefully laid out plan. Taking on your first marathon training induces a whole list of emotions–exhilaration, anxiety, excitement, nervousness, happiness–to name a few. If none of these plans strike your fancy or don’t work well with your schedule or fitness level, check out my personalized training plans here.Running your first marathon? These 9 tips will help you conquer the training, understand the nutrition, remain injury free and soar through 26.2! While I’m grateful for the contribution Hal Higdon’s plans had in beginning running, I now build custom training plans to fit my needs. Here are my reviews for Intermediate 1 and Novice 2.

Hal Higdon’s plans are pretty vanilla, cookie-cutter plans that are not too complicated. I’m not a part of Hal Higdon’s team, but I have trained with Novice 1, Novice 2, and Intermediate 1 for my first three marathons.

Download hal higdon novice 1