11/12/2023
Short Term Goals, Long Term Gains - The Secret behind Marathon Runs
Why Marathon? It’s like setting a short-term goal that keeps me committed to my training. Once I register for a marathon, there’s no skipping my workouts—I have to prepare not just for the run itself, but for overall fitness.
It’s about boosting cardio endurance, taking care of my joints, building stronger muscles to support the run, and ensuring my nutrition fuels the training and aids in a quick recovery. In simple terms, it’s like preparing for an exam; you know the date, so you study.
I’d encourage you to consider taking up marathons too, as it’s one of the most participated sports globally. You can start with shorter runs like 5ks or 10ks and gradually take on more challenges.
Now, let’s talk about how to train. Contrary to what some might think, you don’t have to run a lot every day. In fact, I focus 70% on strength training with some conditioning and reserve 30% for running in a 90-minute workout. This includes 60 minutes of strength training, 15 to 20 minutes of cardio, and 10 to 15 minutes of dynamic and static mobility conditioning.
Once or twice a week, you can opt for a longer run of 30 to 60 minutes to identify and work on your weak areas. This blueprint has worked well for me.
Now, about the marathon itself, the terrain was tougher than I expected. Training on a treadmill or a regular road doesn’t fully prepare you for such challenges. My main concern was avoiding injuries, and I’m grateful it turned out well. Recovery was fast too.
Every run teaches you something new about your body and capabilities. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where you reflect on your performance, identify weaknesses, and come back stronger for the next challenge. In the end, it’s You vs You 💪🏻