42k Race Training

Training for a 42 kilometer race or what they call the full marathon is more than just setting time for it. Like any other race event, you start with the very basics.  One, what is your goal in finishing a 42k marathon? Do you want to finish fast because you are training for more elite races such as the Boston Marathon? Or let’s bring it closer to home training for the MILO Nationals? Two, once you’ve decided on your race GOAL this would determine the FREQUENCY of your training. Typically training for a full marathon would involve four days of running and two days of strength and conditioning training. This is a lot of work so that you will not experience getting injured on race day. Three, you also need to determine the INTENSITY of your training sessions. Short and sweet but more powerful and intense training sessions is good to train for speed. But the long distance runs meant to cap the weekend is part of training for ENDURANCE. Fourth, you also need to determine — do you train better alone or you train better with a companion? I know that hardcore runners tend to train more seriously alone. Yet I also know of runners who can only manage to achieve their goals when they have a fellow runner with the same training goals. Determine which type of runner are you and this will help you on your road to finishing your first 42k distance.