Nutritionist: Training For a Marathon
I have a friend who decided to train for the Honolulu Marathon this December. Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about someone’s announcement to take part in this annual event. However, I consider my friend to be the ultimate couch potato. So, for me to hear him announce his ambition to actually run or walk the 26 mile course was shocking. How does a couch potato turn into a marathon runner…or walker? I guess what I really mean to ask is, how does a person who has no ambition to do much more than channel surf go from laying on the couch to surviving a 26 mile run/walk? Is it even possible? A know a lot of strength training and conditioning will need to go in to this endeavor.
Well, after some major research on my friend’s part, it seems to be more and more possible every day. Here are a few simple tips that any couch potato, who is considering a marathon, should do before the big day.
-Get off the couch. This may sound funny but it will take a lot of commitment and hard work to overcome the physical demands of a 26 mile walk or run. If you are not used to doing regular daily exercise, you will need to recommit to moving your body by walking or running every day.
-Start Slow. Jumping into an extreme exercise routine is the best way to quite right. Always start exercise at a moderate pace. This is especially true for people who don’t normally exercise. If you take it slow and steady you will eventually increase your endurance. If you jump into exercising full force, you may hurt yourself or become too discouraged to continue. If you don’t know where to begin, consider mapping out a few miles in your neighborhood and commit to walking that path at least 4 times a week. As your endurance grows, take turns walking and running for two minutes. As you build your endurance, increase your distance.
-Eat Your Energy. Your body requires fuel like a vehicle to move. If you don’t give it the right fuel you could be reducing your endurance. Choosing energized healthy foods like vegetables, fruits and high fiber foods can help you to maintain your energy over the 26 miles. You should start improving your diet as soon as possible. You will need the improved diet to sustain you through your regular workout routines.
