Mistakes often made training for a Marathon

7 Major Marathon Mistakes

1. Most marathoners don't have the right time goal.

Runners new to the Marathon need to realize that if they train correctly their marathon pace will be about 48 seconds per mile slower than current 5-K capability, 32 seconds slower than 10-K pacing, and 16 seconds slower per mile than half-marathon clocking. These shorter races can all be used to set a proper, realistic marathon goal speed.

2. Most marathon runners fail to use their goal-pace running into their long training runs.

 A far better plan than a 20-mile run at slower-than-marathon intensity would be a 20-mile effort, with about 6-10 of those miles at goal pace. Such a training session would permit a marathon runner to see if goal pace was actually feasible, would improve efficiency at goal tempo, and would optimize endurance at hoped-for speed. Believe it or not, these are all good things--and none of them are optimized by long runs at slower-than-goal tempo.

3. Do not go out for a long run every weekend.

Weekly long runs increase the risk of injury for marathon trainees; the muscles are simply never given enough chance to recover from the prolonged exertions of the weekend. A far better strategy would be to carry out the long run every other weekend--or even every three weeks.

4. Most marathoners fail to use sports drinks or gels properly during the race.

The most-important intake of sports drink actually takes place 10 minutes before the race begins, when eight to 10 ounces should be consumed. After that, five to six ounces should be taken every 5 miles or so during the race. Incidentally, one ounce is considered to be a normal, regular swallow of fluid. Don't forget to utilize this sports-drink-intake pattern during your long training runs, too. All gels should be consumed with plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

5. Do not mix sports drinks with other things during the race.

If you consume a sports drink and water during a marathon, you'll end up with a very dilute solution in your gastrointestinal system; this will slow absorption of carbohydrate and leave you short of energy in the late stages of the race.

If you consume a sports drink and gel during the race, you'll end up with a stomach full of molasses, which will empty into your small intestine slowly, retard absorption of carbohydrate, and increase your chances of ultimately developing a massive case of diarrhea. You should consume a sports drink--and nothing else--during the race.

6. Do not try something new on race weekend.

That includes everything from foods, clothing and especially shoes.

7. Do not Over Train. Run smart not

It takes about 3-4 weeks to recover from a long run of 18 to 20 miles or so. This means, obviously, that no runs of 18 miles or longer should be conducted during the month leading up to a marathon. Do not try to squeeze in one--or even two--long runs during the 3-4 weeks before the big race.

If you under-train for a marathon you may never make it to the finish line, but if you over-train, you may not make it to the starting line.

Run Smart

Dr. John Senatore