Each February, more than 20,000 runners and walkers participate in the annual Great Aloha Run (GAR). For many, successfully completing the eight mile course from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium on President’s Day is the culmination of months of training. Setting and reaching this goal is a high achievement. So, what is next?
You could take a break until later in the year when you resume your preparation for next year’s Great Aloha Run. But it would be a shame to lose the healthy benefits of conditioning you have attained to this point. Hopefully the habits you developed through your months of training are now a part of your weekly routine. Why not continue and set your sights on completing your first marathon?
Training for a marathon may not be as daunting a feat as you might imagine it to be. It just requires you to use the fitness level you’ve achieved to increase your mileage. However, attempting your first marathon will take a commitment of time if you want to complete it successfully. While there are other marathons on the neighbor islands, the Honolulu Marathon in December is a perfect goal for the beginner. This end of the year run affords time to train properly for your first marathon. A well organized, participant- friendly event, the Honolulu Marathon allows runners of all abilities, from novice to advanced, to blend into the crowd.
The key over the coming months is to maintain your GAR conditioning, continuing to build a base by increasing your running mileage. Set realistic goals to your individual ability. Gradually increase the distance of your long runs. Overzealous expectations or excessive training may lead to injuries that are discouraging setbacks. The anxiety of the challenge you accept is alleviated with knowledge and preparation. Books, magazines and online sites are valuable resources, filled with programs to help you prepare for your first marathon.
Additionally, Oahu has many training groups, some free (Honolulu Marathon Clinic) and some for a fee. These groups have experienced leaders who will answer questions and guide you towards your goal. Find a training partner. Meeting with friends helps develop a routine for training. The camaraderie you share will motivate and help keep your long runs interesting.
As your training progresses, run a few races in the summer months to gauge your improvement. Beginning each August the Mid Pacific Road Runners Club (MPRRC) sponsors a series of runs to prepare local runners for the December marathon. These MPRRC runs progress from 15K (9.3 miles) to 30K (18.6 miles). Participation in these runs swells as the marathon approaches.
The marathon is a personal challenge where individual success is not necessarily determined by time. Crossing the finishing line is the measurement of achievement for all. Paraphrasing a septuagenarian friend , a veteran of thirty-plus marathons, “It does not matter what time you finished, all the shirts (finishers) are the same color.” The marathon distance is not a requisite for a healthy lifestyle, but completing a marathon can be a life changing event.
You could take a break until later in the year when you resume your preparation for next year’s Great Aloha Run. But it would be a shame to lose the healthy benefits of conditioning you have attained to this point. Hopefully the habits you developed through your months of training are now a part of your weekly routine. Why not continue and set your sights on completing your first marathon?
Training for a marathon may not be as daunting a feat as you might imagine it to be. It just requires you to use the fitness level you’ve achieved to increase your mileage. However, attempting your first marathon will take a commitment of time if you want to complete it successfully. While there are other marathons on the neighbor islands, the Honolulu Marathon in December is a perfect goal for the beginner. This end of the year run affords time to train properly for your first marathon. A well organized, participant- friendly event, the Honolulu Marathon allows runners of all abilities, from novice to advanced, to blend into the crowd.
The key over the coming months is to maintain your GAR conditioning, continuing to build a base by increasing your running mileage. Set realistic goals to your individual ability. Gradually increase the distance of your long runs. Overzealous expectations or excessive training may lead to injuries that are discouraging setbacks. The anxiety of the challenge you accept is alleviated with knowledge and preparation. Books, magazines and online sites are valuable resources, filled with programs to help you prepare for your first marathon.
Additionally, Oahu has many training groups, some free (Honolulu Marathon Clinic) and some for a fee. These groups have experienced leaders who will answer questions and guide you towards your goal. Find a training partner. Meeting with friends helps develop a routine for training. The camaraderie you share will motivate and help keep your long runs interesting.
As your training progresses, run a few races in the summer months to gauge your improvement. Beginning each August the Mid Pacific Road Runners Club (MPRRC) sponsors a series of runs to prepare local runners for the December marathon. These MPRRC runs progress from 15K (9.3 miles) to 30K (18.6 miles). Participation in these runs swells as the marathon approaches.
The marathon is a personal challenge where individual success is not necessarily determined by time. Crossing the finishing line is the measurement of achievement for all. Paraphrasing a septuagenarian friend , a veteran of thirty-plus marathons, “It does not matter what time you finished, all the shirts (finishers) are the same color.” The marathon distance is not a requisite for a healthy lifestyle, but completing a marathon can be a life changing event.
maniacles
6 comments:
There's an advantage to being part of the East Coast Ohana... Whether you're training for your first or your 50th marathon, training with a group like Runner's Hi is a magnificent way to do it. You get Ohana, advice, support. And they never forget your birthday.
The Ohana is also fantastic at lifting spirits when you are recovering from an injury. The eclectic mix of people from all backgrounds, ages and running abilities is inspiring.
This is a great ohana! It stretches from the pacific ocean all the way to the atlantic. There is always a ton of advice and support, whether you are running or doing triathlons. The people even push the limits by volunteering for 12-16 hours and running countless miles with you in the dark, just to keep you motivated while you are running 62 miles. And the random reunion trips to the mainland are always great! I will probably make the one in June. ;)
It was almost 20 degrees on the East Coast as we crunched our way through the leftover snow. Wind chill was about zero... But we have marathons to train for!
to borrow from John Denver
Icicles in my beard make me happy, Icicles in by beard are really cold, Icicles in my beard make me faster, Icicles never happened in Hawaii even on Haleakala, but Kissing stroller mama makes them thaw
Good luck to everyone participating in the 50K this Saturday and Happy Birthday to Ray and Johnny!
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