How do I go about training for a marathon?

I just started seriously exercising 2 months ago... mainly gym treadmill and elliptical but want to start running outside? I realize I may have to take this in increments and it may take up to a year but what is the best training regimen to prepare for a marathon?|||My wife just ran her first half marathon.





Here's her training schedule: http://www.savefile.com/files/1143243|||Go slow so you do not injure yourself.


If you have been training then run 5 to 6 days each week.





What ever distance you have been doing then you can increase that by 25% each month. You need to average 8 miles each day for about 2 months before the marathon. That means some days will be longer since you are recovering 1 day.





Run some 10K races every now and then to stress yourself.


Get with some other runners, it is easier to run long in a group of like minded people.





You can use Higdon or Galloway programs which are very good.|||Check out this web site, it give you a great starting schedule.





Enter your details in the "Smart Coach" and stick to it! Rain or Snow.|||For me personally, it took about 1 1/2 years of training before I had the courage to run marathon.





Running marathon was a dream of mine of many years before I completed my first race. It was a big step, as I never had any extensive experience in distance running. I ran on and off for many years, but never more than 1-3 miles at a time. So, it was a challenge to get from little 3 miles run to 26 miles.





When I decided to start running, I started with treadmill, which was pretty much how I trained for marathon since then. I started with running-jogging and slowly increased over next 6 months until I was comfortable with 6-7 miles of run, with some 9-10 miles run. Over time, I became comfortable with 13-14 miles run with some 16-17 miles. At that time, I ran my first marathon.





My advice for you is to start with mostly treadmill training, which is actually great for beginners, since it help you learn to pace yourself. It is much easier to slowly increase the speed at the touch of a button and learn how to increase the speed over time. After you are comfortable with a certain speed for a significant duration, then try road running.





One thing I did not do much for my training early on was to do some short races. I feel that short races will help you learn the strategy of actual racing condition. Treadmill is great for learn to run, but short races allow you to become a better runner. It helps you on how to run amist all the crowds as well as hazards of the road (potholes and weather and crowd and other dangers of actual running). In addition, crossing the finishing line heps you getting incentive to finish the next and longer race.





Also, run for fun. Don't put so much pressure into running a certain race at the early onset. If you put too much pressure, you might burn out. I would recommend to join a running group - local group or natoinal group. Lots of good websites and books also helps with training. But more importantly, keep the ultimate goal in mind - have fun and complete your first marathon.





Good luck.|||One foot after another.


That is my suggestion. That is how I take my XC races. Just one step at a time. And once you finish that step you will realise that you just may have enough strength to take just one more step. And sooner than you know it, you are done!