To Train Or Not To Train?

That is the question. Today, I volunteered at the Women's Running Magazine Half Marathon and 5k race in St. Petersburg, FL. I found out about the race to late to participate in the Expo or help with the medical staff, but thought it might be fun to help as a course monitor. I am very glad that I did.
I was chosen to be a course monitor at Tropicana Field. Part of the course was to run through the stadium and back out to finish about 2 miles away. I was lucky enough to have the honor of staying inside all day on the field and being photographer of the many runners as they crossed home plate. It was very inspiring to watch these men and women who had already run 11 miles get their second wind upon setting foot upon the field.
Seeing all these people of different fitness levels participating today made me want to run a marathon myself. But as I have not been in training for a bit, I thought I would put together a list of recommendations to get me or anyone that is interested in training should start doing.
Suggestions for Training for a Marathon
1. If you haven't been physically active for a while, consider contacting your physician of choice to discuss your options. Have an old injury that has kept you off the running path, why not try a different type of physician to check it out for you?
2. Find the right gear, especially shoes: Most people get shin splints and other injuries due to improper shoes. It is worth the time and effort to go to a reputable running store and get a consult. Or perhaps its time to look into orthotics for your running shoes. It could save you from a lot of pain and suffering. For women, the proper sports bra can make all the difference in the world and save you from a lot of back pain. ( Proper bra fitting in general can help women with unexplained back pain.)
3. Pick an event: Having a goal helps keep you motivated. Marathonrookie.com is a good website to start checking out events and getting more information about training.
4. Find a training group: Meetup.com and websites like that are great places to find people who want to train as well. When you have someone to hold you accountable, it makes you less likely to skip training. Some events have their own training programs through facilities like YMCA. Or maybe its time to convince your significant other or best friend to start running with you.
5. Take care of yourself: While training, you will use muscles that you probably have not used in a long time. Whether its chiropractic, massage, or other types of physical medicine that you prefer, make sure you take care of problems early before they become a problem that could take you out of the race.
6.Set up a training schedule: If you sign up to run 26 miles, don't run 26 miles for the first time the week of the event. Look on the internet or ask your gym if they have a training program that will get you ready for the upcoming event.
7.Proper Diet and Nutrition: Since you will be putting extra stress on your system, look into how to maintain. If you aren't taking a multi-vitamin daily, this is definitely the time to start. But make sure you find high quality products as these may cost more but will have a better effect on your training. Also, look into products to help you recover after training. Gatorade really doesn't cut it anymore as there are products such as Endurox that have a lot of science and nutrition behind it to help restore muscle damage and protein.

Now, this is not a complete list of things to prepare yourself for a marathon but it is definitely a start. I just need to hold myself accountable to my own words. Anyone interested in being my training buddy?