Training for New York City Marathon? Information on Marathon Training Program

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Why all this fuss about Marathon Training?

Running 26.2 miles in a competitive environment calls for careful preparation. If you wish to not just complete or merely survive the marathon, but to actually enjoy running it, and to make it a truly memorable event, you really need to plan ahead, prepare, and train consistently. Adequate training will also help you prevent injuries.

OK, what are the essential elements of Marathon Training?

Regardless of your current distance running skills and endurance level, your marathon training would essentially involve four important elements:

• A gradual ramp up of your long running distance,
• A gradual, but consistent ramp up of your weekly running mileage,
• A gradual but agressive marathon training schedule to get you ready for the real thing, and
• Conditioning, and Preventing Injuries.

It is very important that you consult with a professional trainer and chart a well thought-out marathon training plan that is custom made to help you reach your goals. If your goals were to simply finish the race, your marathon-training package would be different than if you were training to ace the race.

How often do I need to run the entire 26.2 miles prior to the actual marathon?

If your goal is to simply finish the marathon, you may not need to agressively run full distance in a single stretch again and again -especially during the four to six weeks leading up to the marathon.

How agressively should I train for New York City Marathon?

High intensity marathon training is usually recommended for the runners that are competing for placement. You would probably not need to train intensely or run very aggressively unless you are really aiming for the top. If you are indeed shooting for the top placement, you should seriously consider consulting with an experienced marathon coach and personal marathon trainer. High intensity workout without the guidance and close supervision of an experienced marathon trainer can lead to serious injury. You certainly should not run the full distance during the three to four weeks immediately prior to the marathon.

How early should I begin my Newyork City Marathon training?

Most marathon runners start training approximately 12 to 18 months prior to marathon.

How many miles should I run every week as I prepare for NYC Marathon?

A typical marathon training regime involves a total of 20 to 25 miles of running, aggregated over four to five days of running every week. If you are relatively new to distance running, your weekly mileage may be less in the beginning, but you should certainly aim for ramping up your mileage to approximately 25 miles per week over time by following a carefully crafted mileage buildup schedule.

I am a New Marathon Runner, a Beginner. How do I prevent injuries?

If you have any pre-existing conditions or recent injuries, you should consult with your physician prior to starting your marathon training program. One of the most common injury experienced by marathon runners is muscle over use injury. If you are not very careful as you buildup your weekly mileage, you are going to strain the muscle more and more, and you could possibly have an over-use injury.

At what pace should I ramp up to Marathon Training Schedule?

It is very important that you do not rush and jump to training at a level your body may not be ready for. Unless you are consistently doing 25 miles/week, you should not rush to the marathon level training schedule. You should consider yourself ready to train at the marathon level training only when you are able to sustain running at least 25 miles per week.

I am running 25 miles/week. Am I Marathon Ready?

If you are able to consistently run 10 miles in one single run and are totaling at least 25 miles per week, you should consider yourself marathon ready approximately three to four months down the road.

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Note: Content published at this website (or for that matter at any other websites) should be considered to be of informational nature only, and should not be considered as a medical or professional advice. Please consult with your health care professional before getting into any physical training programs.