Choosing the Right Tools for Marathon Training
When I decided to take on the challenge of training for my first marathon, I knew I’d need more than just my usual running routine. Although Strava’s free plan served me well for 4-5 mile runs, 4-5 times a week for most of this year, I need a more comprehensive tool to guide me through this new adventure. So I turned to an old friend: the Runkeeper app.
Customizing My Plan
Runkeeper was my trusted companion when I trained for my first half-marathon, and now it’s stepping up to help me prepare for the full 26.2 miles. The app’s ability to create a customized marathon training plan with minimal effort on my part is a game-changer. After specifying my race length, date (November 16), and desired number of weekly training runs (four), Runkeeper generated a tailored plan that I can simply follow.
The Benefits of Audio Cues During Runs
One of the features I appreciate most about Runkeeper is its audio cues during runs. During surge intervals, the app provides clear instructions like “Keep a pace of 7:30 per mile for 1 minute,” followed by recovery periods at a more relaxed pace. This takes the guesswork out of my training, allowing me to focus solely on my running.
Overcoming Early Setbacks and Staying Flexible
Training for my first marathon isn’t without its challenges, though. In the first week of my plan, illness forced me to adjust my schedule, completing my runs out of order and on different dates than planned. However, the flexibility of the app allowed me to log these runs and still feel accomplished at the end of the week.
Confronting the Fear of Failure
I’ll admit, there’s a part of me that’s anxious about sharing this journey so publicly. This isn’t actually my first attempt at marathon training – a hip injury derailed my previous effort a couple of years ago. The fear of another setback is real, but I like the accountability and transparency of posting in real-time. By documenting this process, I hope to show the real, sometimes messy journey of training for my first marathon.
Looking Ahead: The Journey to 26.2 Miles
Stay tuned for more updates as I progress through my training. Here’s to the road ahead, the challenges to come, and the thrill of crossing that finish line!
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