Q&A for How to Run a Marathon

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How do I run without getting bored?

Francisco Gomez
Fitness Coach
Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.

Francisco Gomez

Fitness Coach

Expert Answer

Find places you love! If you like nature, then find a nice part that you find scenic. Also, invite a friend that you enjoy being around and don't mind talking to for a certain period of time when you're running. This will make your training more engaging.

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Question

I want to run a marathon. How I find one to sign up for?

Community Answer

Google "marathons near me". Make sure you give yourself several months to train, depending on your level of fitness.

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How can I catch my breath during a marathon when I am exhausted?

Community Answer

If you don't want to stop running, it's hard to fully regain your breath. You can focus on the act of breathing, pulling air in through your nose and out through your mouth, and try to slow your heart rate that way. If you're really winded, try reducing your speed to a slow jog or even walking a short stretch until you feel better.

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Which type of workout is best for marathon training?

Community Answer

Workouts that focus mainly on cardio and endurance will improve your performance in training for a marathon.

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How much time should I take to cover per mile?

Community Answer

It depends on your pace running a mile, and your level of training. A good rule of thumb is to run a pace a minute or two below your regular mile pace.

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Is it advisable to run with a knee cap?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of knee cap you have. If you have a knee cap that can stretch, then yes, you should be able to. It also depends on the pain level.

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Question

To get water from the water station, do I stop to do that? Should carry my own bottle?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If there will be water stations, don't carry your own bottle. It's easy to grab water, keep running while drinking, and discard the bottle.

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Question

How can I reduce pain while running?

Community Answer

Stretch before running and drink lots of water.

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Question

I want to participate in a marathon. How do I start?

Community Answer

Find a race you'd like to run, sign up online, and pay the fee. Make sure it's a race 5-6 months out from the sign-up date, unless you've already been running high mileage. Then, find a training plan and start running.

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Question

Should I run with with my mouth open or closed in a marathon?

Community Answer

Usually an open mouth will be better because most runners breathe through their mouths (as it allows more oxygen to come into your lungs compared to your nose).

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Question

I have had an operation on my ear but I would like to start preparing for the marathon, will it hurt my ear or not?

Community Answer

It depends on the altitude and weather. If you are running on a hill in cold weather, it could most certainly hurt your ear, although it may not. If you are training on flat, even ground, but the weather is warm or hot, it might hurt, it just depends on the temperature and how you are feeling. If it starts to hurt, listen to your body and stop. The ears are how we balance, so if something happens to them, whether it be minor or major, it could result in dizziness or fainting, dehydration, nausea, or a more critical condition. Don't over work yourself. It won't be worth it if you end up in the Emergency Room because you fainted and got dehydrated because you didn't stop when you needed to.

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Will any strength training help?

Community Answer

Yes, it will help to condition you for running the marathon. It will also make your muscles stronger so that you are less likely to pull them.

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Question

How many days of rest should I take before running a marathon?

Community Answer

2 - 3 rest days before the marathon will let your muscles rest without deteriorating. However, you should not rest more than 3 days, as that will cause your muscles to degrade. If you don't rest at least 2 days before the marathon, your muscles will not have adequate time to repair themselves and you may be sore. Whether you do 2 or 3 days depends on your age and fitness level.

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Question

I'm 12 and I would I like to start entering marathons but I don't know how to start. Could you please give me some advice?

Andreaslag

Community Answer

If you are 12, you can run up to 2-5 km for a marathon. Ask your parents to sign you up to one. Learn gradually until you feel comfortable.

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