How to Train for a Long Distance Race

I have often seen a crazy statistic which states that somewhere between 65 and 80 percent of runners end up injured before they reach their goal race. Whether it is 65 percent or 80, that is a pretty shocking number. There are steps that we can take to protect ourselves and avoid the disappointment of becoming an injured statistic. Because, like most things in life, being successful really comes down to preparing properly.

To help me explain how to prepare properly for any distance race, I have asked two people who really know what they are doing, Angie and Trevor Spencer. Their podcast, Marathon Training Academy, has been inspiring and empowering everyday people to live more active lives since 2010 by encouraging them to "unleash their marathon potential." The podcast features actionable training tips that are delivered in a funny and relatable style. The co-hosts, Angie and Trevor, join me on this episode to give you the information you need to complete a race and change your life. 

Listen to the full interview in the embedded audio player in this article and learn:

• The dangers of doing too much too soon. Or as Angie puts it, the problem with "cramming for a marathon."
• Why you shouldn’t always push your training pace in an attempt to feel “like a real runner.”
• Why it is a mistake to make running your only activity. Cross training is important!
• How to set a realistic time goal.
• Why you should avoid comparing your speed, and your finishing times, to others.
• How to focus on making your first race about celebrating how healthy and strong your body is.
• Why you shouldn't worry if your half marathon times don’t correlate to your full marathon times.
• How training for a marathon can help you deal with stress.
• Why sleep is crucial for recovery from training and for handling stress.
• Tips for race day, like finding the start line before the race, worrying about sleep the night before the race, and allowing adequate time to digest before you run.
• Why you should not let your bad races define you as a runner.
• Why some of the most inspiring runners are at the back of the pack.

You can find Angie and Trevor at marathontrainingacademy.com

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