How I Trained for my First Marathon + FREE Marathon Training Plan
If you followed me during one of my first marathon training cycles, you’ll know I was terrified of using a marathon training plan because I had so much trauma around “sticking to something”.
In fact, that’s why I ran my first four marathons without a plan, threw in a couple of long runs, and relied on other races that I signed up for to help me with training.
I was so afraid to even try to stick to a plan for fear of not following through and how that would affect me.
(I also finished most of the races in a lot of muscle cramping and pain. Go figure!)
That was not a good idea, but sometimes necessity is the mother of invention… and here I am.
Why I Decided to Follow a Marathon Training Plan
I had to re-invent myself. I had to sink in order to understand why it’s so important to use what tools I have to keep myself above water.
The tools we have are meant to help us, and even if we don’t use them correctly or all of the time, it will be ok.
The tools are not there to help us be perfect. The tools are there to support us in our unique journey, however it may unfold.
When I finally decided that enough was enough and I needed to at least try to follow a plan, I was more proud of myself that I followed a plan than proud of running that marathon.
Why? Because I didn’t let my fear of being imperfect or not finishing something get in my way of utilizing a very important tool in my training.
Note: My training plan also reflects my commitment to my streak, which is running or walking 5K every day.
How I Overcame Fear and Embraced Imperfection
When I finally decided to follow a marathon training plan, I stuck to 95% of it, fuelled properly, and finished with no injuries and no cramping in 6 hours and 2 minutes.
Was I perfect? No. But by committing to the plan as best I could - not as perfectly as I could - I benefitted from its intention, which was to set me up for success before, during, and after my race.
Now, my motto is, if you have a plan, stick to 90% of the plan.
If you can’t, then stick to 80%, and if you still can’t, then stick to 50%, because you’re already ahead of the game by even having one in the first place.
I have found in the last 5 years of this journey, that the more forgiving I have been to myself, the more I got done. The more grace I showed myself, the less I quit. And the more I look at tools as just that - tools - and not as challenges, the better off I am.
Because the mistakes didn’t matter, and the shortfalls mattered even less. What mattered is following through no matter what.
The Importance of a Marathon Training Plan for Beginners
For beginners embarking on the marathon journey, a proper marathon training plan can make all the difference. I know from personal experience that the fear of commitment can be paralyzing, but it's essential to recognize that a plan is not a rigid set of rules but rather a supportive tool designed to guide you through your unique fitness journey.
It’s understandable to shy away from training plans due to the fear of failure. The harsh truth is that this approach can lead to muscle cramping, pain, and injury. There is a better way.
Once you embrace a marathon training plan as a supportive tool it can change the game for you. It’s there to assist you on your journey, even if you don't use it perfectly or consistently.
Embracing Imperfection on Your Marathon Journey
Could you follow a marathon training plan 100%, to a T? Sure. Is that what the big-time runners do? You bet. But when you're just starting your marathon journey, it's natural to feel unsure about committing to a marathon training plan. Is it the right plan for me? What if I’m not feeling well one day? What if I’m having a bad day? What if, what if, what if?
That’s why embracing imperfection is a crucial step toward achieving your marathon goals - whether it’s a certain time, or just the goal of finishing.
If life gets in the way, that's okay. You can still achieve your goals. And if you don’t, you can try again. It’s that simple.
