A Guide to Marathon Running
Running the Great Bristol Half Marathon this weekend? Not running but looking to start training for a similar event soon!? Already training for a big event?!
This week, we're covering a few of our favourite running resources. Get ready, get set, GO!
- NHS Couch to 5k podcasts - if you're a beginner looking to gradually build up your running ability, this plan could be perfect for you! The NHS couch to 5k podcast series is a 9 week training plan, consisting of 3 runs per week. The ultimate goal is to have runners run a 5km without stopping!
- Great Run Training Plans - whether you're looking to a 5k, a 10k, 10 miles (16k), a half marathon, or a full marathon, the Great Run has a training plan for you! With options for both beginners and "improvers," they've got 5 week, 8 week, 12 week, and 16 week plans to help you succeed at all types of races.
- Strava's Training Plans for Runners - Strava allows you to choose plans for 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon races. You can tailor your training plan based on your race date and experience level. Note that you have to have an active Strava membership to access these plans. You can sign up for a free 30 day trial here!
- Runner's World Half Marathon Training - according to Runner's World, if you can run a 10k, you're more than capable of running a half marathon. And we think so too!! So whether you’re building up to 13.1 miles for the first time, or planning to smash your personal best, they've got everything you’ll need to get you to the finish line!
- Runner's World "How to Run a Marathon" - a comprehensive training website offering everything from 16-week training plans for complete beginners, to 16-week training plans for those looking to run a sub 4 hour or even a sub 3 hour 45 minute marathon!
Remember that you can always repeat any of the weeks in these guides until you feel physically ready to move onto the next week! That said, structure is definitely important to keep you motivated, so try to allocate specific days of the week to your race training... and stick to them ;)
Also, don't forget the beauty (and importance) of active recovery days. We recommend going for a walk, having a nice stretch, or trying a low impact yoga sesh - we've got plenty to offer in that department!
