FitSugar

Best Marathons for Newbies

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Running your first marathon can be a very scary thing. So instead of signing up for the New York City Marathon as your very first marathon, try starting with something a little less intimidating.

Not sure which marathons are good for first timers? Here's a list from US Airways Magazine that sums it right up:

DISNEY WORLD MARATHON
Novices will love the fact that the course is level, and you’ll never be at a loss for scenery as you wind past sights like Cinderella Castle. This race always fills up fast, so reserve early. Check it out at DisneyWorldMarathon.com
LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON
The nation’s 2nd-largest marathon features a very flat course and is well organized. Bring lots of water and pace yourself since the weather can be quite hot during this marathon. Check it out at ChicagoMarathon.com.
MARINE CORPS MARATHON
Also known as "The People's Marathon," this perennial favorite win are recommended. Check it out at MarineMarathon.com.
MEDTRONICS TWIN CITIES MARATHON
The citizens along this flat course extend the type of friendly atmosphere people have come to associate with midwestern America. Check it out at TwinCitiesMarathon.org.
NEW LAS VEGAS MARATHON
This race begins at Mandalay Bay at the southern end of the Strip and proceeds through the heart of Vegas - it’s perhaps the only time Las Vegas Boulevard is closed. You’ll see hundreds of runners dressed as Elvis. (A push is on to break the world record with 101 Elvises!) There’s even a “Run Thru Wedding Chapel” featuring a “Running Reverend” for those who’d like to tie the knot or renew their vows. Check it out at LVMarathon.com.

How to Cross the Marathon Finish Line With a Smile on Your Face

Susi May — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:46:28 PDT

Trainer Paul Vincent has helped many actresses prepare to kick ass on the big screen at his Santa Monica gym, Training Adventures, but he's also into fitness for life. A seasoned Ironman triathlete, Paul has also paced more than a few starlets in their inaugural marathons. And these gals have been smiling as they glided across the finish line - a noble goal for any first timer.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves - let's start at the beginning. Paul recommends being comfortable running 15 miles weekly before embarking on your marathon training. Not wanting to deter any running enthusiast, he adds that starting with a base mileage of zero means "you will need a little bit longer to build up that first phase" of whatever program you choose to follow. Be smart and don't jump into high-mileage weeks quickly!

Regardless of your training schedule, enjoying the experience is the most important thing you can do for a successful finish. "This may sound silly but for first timers, it is easy to get lost in counting miles, researching routes, preparing training day snacks, and everything else that goes into training," says Paul. "Sometimes you need to sit back to really understand what you have taken on and how incredible that is." He adds that the training is part of the journey, so enjoy the solitude of your long runs and the order training to tackle such a long distance can bring to your life.

Learn Paul's three main tips and advice on injury prevention when you keep on reading.

Tips For Tackling Your First Marathon

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 PST

Back in January, many of you wrote that running in longer races was one of your fitness goals in our Get Fit For 2010 community group and contest. Hopefully you signed up for a race, and are steadily training and staying injury free. The magazine Outside shared some training tips for newbie marathoners, and I'm going to share them with you.

First things first, the magazine suggest you "go for a run." Easy to do. Lace up your sneaks and go. Check!
The second suggestion is the same as the first. Endurance, like Rome, isn't built in a day.
Now "hit the brakes," says Outside: "If running feels hard, you're going too fast." Going slow helps avoid injuries.

For more helpful tips, keep on reading.