Running head: FIRST MARATHON – THINGS TO KNOW 1

FIRST MARATHON – THINGS TO KNOW

Training for your first marathon is a process that cannot be rushed into. The training

necessary to complete the 26.2 mile run is one that must be approached gradually. According to

Olympian Kara Goucher “You just have to scale everything and put it in perspective of what

you’re trying to accomplish” (Tips for runners in first marathon, 2009). Steve Gisselman,

assistant coach for athletic performance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,

recommends a slow buildup of training miles; over a three-month period, starting at a base of 15

miles per week and peaking at 30-35 miles per week a couple week before your marathon

(Hyson, 2014).

While it is easy to focus on training, perhaps equally important is resting. In her tips for

first marathon runners Kara Goucher stated that “it’s important to have patience and give

yourself time and plenty of rest” (2009). Gisselman recommends a drop of mileage midway

through the three-month training cycle to allow your body a chance to recover. Finishing a

marathon is an obtainable goal for anyone willing to put in the time and effort for both the

training and the recovery (Hyson, 2014).

Running head: FIRST MARATHON – THINGS TO KNOW 2

References

Hyson, S. (2014, July-August). Conquer your first marathon: get race-ready in 12 weeks with our

three-step master plan. Men's Fitness, 30(6), 32+. Retrieved November 10, 2018, from

http://link.galegroup.com.library2.csumb.edu:2048/apps/doc/A374098922/AONE?u=csu

mb_main&sid=AONE&xid=64ba70ca

Tips for runners in first marathon. (2009, May 24). New York Times (1923-Current

File) Retrieved November 10, 2018, from https://search-proquest-

com.library2.csumb.edu:2248/docview/1030621553?accountid=10355