How to Run a Marathon. Yes, You!

You CAN do it. You can run a marathon! Credit: Nordea Riga Marathon

This is it! You’ve conquered the smaller races (5K, 10K, half marathon), crushed them into dust, and now you are ready for The Race. The Big One. 26.2 miles. The Marathon.

The marathon is the true test of a runner’s endurance. Pushing yourself as hard as you can for 26.2 miles, even after your body starts screaming and your head begs you to stop, is the ultimate showing of physical performance. And there is no greater feeling than being able to call yourself a “marathoner.” It’s what separates the recreational runner from the serious distance-chasing bad ass.

A marathon is no joke, and neither is the training. Running double digits on a consistent basis is a feat in and of itself. It’s one thing to run 26.2 miles once—that’s hard enough—but people underestimate the toughness it takes to even train for a marathon. With a training schedule that will have you running 10, 15, 19 miles week after week, your body experiences things it’s never thought possible. Broken, bloody toe nails, blisters that will bring a grown man to his knees, cramps and sore muscles are all part of the road to marathon greatness. But you know what? Ask any marathoner—any one—and they will tell you it’s all worth it.

So what are you waiting for?