[Chemist]

Hey I'm thinking about running a marathon next year and i'm wondering if there are any verterans in here that could give me some training tips.

[Hester]

1. Have a plan, make a training schedule.
2. Give yourself at least 6 months.
3. Remember you have to run a marathon before you can run a marathon. Get in as many 5K and 10K's as you can.
4. Buy Jeff Galloway's 'Marathon!'
5. Start now - or as soon as the snow melts (mid May in Saskatoon?)

Galloway's book talks about running and walking a marathon - run for 9 minutes, walk for 1, for example. It'll take minutes off your time, incredibly, and you'll function as a human the next day. Don't just run, run, run - I ended up with very bad tendonitis 3 years ago - it felt like I had ripped my achilles right off my legs. It was merely tendonitis but it scared the crap out of me.

[Hester]

Joining a running club is another good idea. In a gym with a good indoor track. Joining a group will keep you motivated when you don't feel like running today.