Marathon Running

written by Roni Hahitti @roni_david18

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Why I Run

I love running due to the freedom it gives me and that the only person I’m “competing” against is myself. The running community is one of the most supportive communities I’ve seen in which no one is left behind and that there is space for everyone in it, whether you are running your 1st race or your 100th, aiming to win the race or just to finish with a smile on your face. It also is great for my mental space as it’s a great time for me to just focus on my breathing, while giving me the chance to destress from everything else in my life. As someone who grew up playing competitive sports, running gives me a good outlet to still be athletic while also being stress-free enough to just enjoy it instead of focusing on “wins and losses”.

Equipment

Running is a simple enough sport where you don’t need the most amount of gear for it, or at least not too much more than what you should probably already own. Any breathable shirt (ideally cotton) and shorts/sweatpants should be enough clothing, as well as comfortable socks.

For shoes, there are many different types of running shoes that long-distance runners can use from many different brands. Currently, I run in Nike shoes but I have run in Hoka and Adidas before. Go to a sporting goods store and try out different pairs to see which pair works best for you. If possible, go to a local running store as well as they will be able to help pick out what shoes work best for you as well as let you try them out to see what you’re most comfortable in.

For any additional gear, you can wear almost any smartwatch as they have technology in them to help track your runs in terms of distance, speed, heart rate, any elevation gain and as a GPS if necessary. There are also many apps out there people use to keep a journal of their runs to see how their progress is going. I personally use Strava as it gives me an opportunity to see how my friends are doing as well on their runs, as well as keeping a good log of my runs so I can see how my training is progressing.

Group Training

As much as running a marathon is an individual effort, there’s also the ability to have others be with you along the training journey so it doesn’t feel so alone. One popular way to do that is with group training. There are many run clubs around the country, both nationwide ones and local ones, that anyone can join (usually free of charge or a small membership fee) that help with all goals running: whether that’s training for a race or just having somebody to run with. They are also open to everyone at all paces, as they usually have different groups that go at different speeds so everyone can be included. Many big-name running brands will host run clubs out of their stores, but there are also many non-affiliated run clubs that host many running events. A simple Google search will help anybody figure out what local run clubs are in their community.

*Roni stretching. It’s important to stretch before you run, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Loosening up your muslces prevents injuries and gets your body ready for the run.*

Training Plans

Thanks to the rise in technology, there are many places online to find plans for whatever your goal is. On average, most marathon plans last about 16 weeks with the last two weeks being a taper period so you feel as fresh as can be on race day. There are many plans for all different types of goals regarding desired finishing time, different distances and even how much time you are able to dedicate. Look around online and find plans that work for you. Personally, I use the ASICS 3:30 Marathon plan as my current training plan for my 2024 goals. For a pricier option, you can also hire a run coach who will work with you to help you get to your goals, while adapting the plan as time goes on based on your progress.

A challenge for the body and mind.

Marathon running is a hobby grounded in improvement because nobody can run a marathon without having to train consistently at some point.

And running is simple. One foot in front of the other. There’s techniques for sure, but it’s those basics. How far, how fast, how often is up to you and your goals.

Having Good Shoes

You can run in all shoes but if you’re going to start running for longer times, it’s important to have the right shoes. If you don’t, it be uncomfortable and lead to injury

This means a proper fit and good cushioning. We recommend checking out your local shoes store or athletic store for guidance.

The cushioning also wears out. You’ll want to replace your shoes every so often depending on the shoe.

Tracking your runs

On your journey to training for improving your distance or time is keeping track of how your runs are going. You’ll be able to see your pace and put together a plan for yourself.

Avid runners have dedicated smart watches that track everything from their heart rate to their routes. These are often a bit pricey and are a nice-to-have as you’re starting out.

If you have a smartphone, there are tons of a free apps that use your phone’s gps to track your routes, distance, and times. The essential information.

You can also plan a route before you go on a run and see the distance you’ll go and time it yourself when you start.

Training Plans

Running a marathon takes training.

There are training plans out there that can guide you from never running before to being able to run a 5k.

Here, it’s good to start small and not rush. Start with a mile, then a 5k, then a 10k. There’s plenty of opportunities to run in races.

And listen to your body, many runners slow down and walk if they need to. At the end of the day, it’s about accomplishing your goal at your own pace, nobody else’s.

Discover more hobbies.

Discover more of Roni’s marathon running on Instagram @roni_david18.