Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog
Now let’s get started by talking about what today is… Global Running Day! This is a worldwide celebration of running, which just happens to be one of my most favorite things to do. I know, I know, that comes as no shock, right?!!
Which is the very reason that today is a great day for me to encourage you to start running as well, if you’re not currently doing it. Or to encourage you to continue doing it, if you already are, and maybe even to up your game to shoot for a PR or a new distance. And to jump start all that, you should join in on all the fun that's happening tonight at Fleet Feet in Springfield at The Big Run Fun Run!! You’ll meet like-minded people and can participate in a 5k by running, walking, or doing a combination of it.
With that being said, if you've been thinking about signing up for the Bass Pro Marathon, Half Marathon, or the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs happening this November, there may be no better day than Global Running Day to officially begin your training journey.
Why? Because if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need time to build up a solid base of endurance through a Couch to 5k program or something similar. This will allow you to be ready for the “official” Bass Pro Training Groups presented by OMRR (Ozarks Mountain Ridge Runners) that begin in July (if you’re in the Pulaski County area, FFG-Frog Fitness Group will be hosting these runs as well).
But, hey, if you’re saying, “Can I just skip the Couch to 5k and go straight to the Couch to Marathon (or half-marathon) plan?” To that I would say, yes it's possible, if you don’t rush the process and are willing to do run/walk intervals. Many people have successfully completed a marathon after six months of consistent training using this method. And while it’s certainly possible that you could run the whole thing, I would not recommend trying to race it without giving your body more time to be prepared for the physical stress it would take to do so—especially if you’re an older adult.
With that being said, there are a few things to consider, like your training goal and your finishing time goal before getting started. Like I said, finishing a 26.2 mile race with only six months of training is possible but racing a marathon at your full potential will most likely take more time (it’s more doable with a 13.1 distance). Which is why the goal of most beginners should be to cross the finish line healthy, smiling, and proud of what you've accomplished.
Before You Begin Though…
If you've been completely inactive or have any health concerns, it's wise to get medical clearance before beginning a marathon training program.
You should also understand that marathon training requires patience.
There are no shortcuts.
The runners who succeed are often not the most talented—they're the most consistent.
If you've been completely inactive or have any health concerns, it's wise to get medical clearance before beginning a marathon training program.
You should also understand that marathon training requires patience.
There are no shortcuts.
The runners who succeed are often not the most talented—they're the most consistent.
Finally, sign up for the race and then find a training program that works for you. It's important that you do it in that order so you'll have some "skin in the game" and take your training seriously. Time is of the essence if you want to cross one of the Bass Pro finish lines in November.
And there you have it friends. It's entirely possible to go from the Couch to a Marathon or Half Marathon (or the 15k or 25k at Dogwood) in six months. Thousands of runners have done it. But the key isn't running hard. The key is running consistently. Start where you are. Run easy. Increase gradually. Trust the process. And six months from now, you may find yourself standing at the starting line of a marathon wondering how the person who once sat on the couch became someone capable of running 26.2 miles.
Happy Running!
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