The Advice Lady

An interesting phenomenon has been happening lately.  I've been getting a lot of questions from female friends and even strangers on running.  Form, gear, training habits, diet, you name it I've been asked about it.  I find it a little amusing considering that I am not what you would call an elite athlete and therefore not the most obvious person to ask about running.  But I do love talking and writing about running, so I'm happy to oblige.

I have a theory on why it is happening..I'm very proud of being a marathoner and I like to show off my marathon shirts as often as possible.  As a pretty average looking American woman I think people are a little impressed when I wear my race shirts to the gym and I get a lot of comments about them.  The women seeking my advice probably see me as a non-threatening runner who is not so different from them that has achieved something that at times can seem like an outrageous feat.  But after hearing what I've done they probably look at me similarly to how I looked at my dad when I was deciding to run a marathon.  In 2010 my dad was nearly twice my age and I thought if my old dad could do it surely I could too.

I'm not sugar coating marathon training.  It is difficult.  But it's not impossible even for us average looking Americans.  Of course the training and physical fitness are important, that is why we train.  But the most important ingredients to becoming a marathoner are determination, self-discipline and creativity. 

In order to dedicate four months of your life to prepare for one day you must be determined.  Without determination I don't even think anyone would be able to get started.  There are a million reasons to run.  that one has to come from you.  Once you have the determination to move your tushie you now have to start training four to five times a week which requires the self discipline to get it done even when you don't want to do it.  We all have a lot of responsibilities in our lives from parenting to volunteering or work obligations and it's easy to say "I can't train because I have to..."  This is where the creativity comes in.  You have to be able to figure out how to incorporate training into your life without it taking over your life.  If you are worried you won't have the time to spend with your family because you are training ask them to come along.  Run at a park where the kids can play or ride their bikes along with you.  This can also work to your benefit because they can be your little pit crew, carrying drinks and snacks for the run. Maybe you could use your lunch break to run some of the shorter runs.  Or you can do what I consider the hardest life modification of all...wake up early and run in the morning.  I have yet to be able to accomplish this one despite the fact it would make my life a lot easier.  What can I say...I LOVE to sleep!

Alright Canton Marathoners it's time to muster up your determination, self-discipline and creativity and get your training program going.  We are four months from the big day and it is going to be an amazing experience.  If your using The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer  this weekend you will do your first long run at five miles!  Good luck and have fun!!!