Having trained for and completed four marathons, I must say that the experience of crossing the finish line of a marathon is well worth the grueling training and personal sacrifice involved in preparing both mind and body for this extraordinary accomplishment. Kudos to you for even having the courage to consider making this commitment!
The best place to start training for a marathon is a year away from the date of the race. Start training the body with short runs, on an almost daily basis. Six months out from race day you should be able to log in at least 25 miles of running in a week, comfortably. At this point (6 months from race day), I would highly encourage you to join a running club or a charity organization that trains its runners to complete marathons such as Team In Training, the organization that raises funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. A set training program with knowledgeable leaders will help you to safely and gradually increase your endurance and give you lots of training and nutrition tips that should make your first marathon an event that you will forever cherish. Good luck and best wishes . . . and remember, the goal is to cross that finish line with a smile on your face, regardless of your finish time.
Exercise helps you feel good about yourself when you see that you're dedicated and disciplined enough to put yourself first and spend some time regularly exercising your body. You'll feel stronger and more fit, not to mention reap the benefits of endorphins-- the powerful chemicals produced by the brain that are natural painkillers and responsible for what is known as the "runner's high", a feeling of euphoria and general state of well-being often experienced by exercise enthusiasts.
When you look better, you feel better, and exercise assists you with both. Regular physical activity not only helps to maintain optimal weight and body composition those who regularly exercise enjoy significantly decreased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, among others. And these benefits are more than just short term; those who regularly exercise are sick 30% less often than non-exercisers, and fit people generally enjoy longer lives than their less fit counterparts.
When you exercise, focus on how you feel and you'll likely stick with your exercise program. If the thought of dragging yourself to the gym for weight loss isn't motivating to you, maybe it's your body's defense mechanism, encouraging you to love yourself the way you are. When you exercise, seek activities that are fun and leave you feeling strong and empowered, whether it's a challenging spinning class, a relaxing yoga session, or a brisk walk on the treadmill. Your body will thank you for taking good care of it, and you'll reap the many rewards of a healthier body and mind.
