Lowell Greib is the founder of the SportLab, which offers performance medicine to a galaxy of professional athletes, including some of the country’s greatest runners. He also helps train middle of the pack runners training for their big spring race. The medical coordinator of the Toronto Marathon—May 5—Lowell is working with Toronto Marathon and iRun to provide great tips to get your ready for your spring starting line. To get things cracking, here’s four things—right now—to bare in mind. Enjoy your journey!!
Set Realistic Goals.
Establishing achievable goals based on your current fitness level sets you up for success in your marathon training journey. It’s important to adjust these goals as needed throughout your training, taking into account factors like progress, setbacks, and changes in circumstances. By setting realistic and attainable targets, you’re more likely to stay motivated, maintain consistency in your training, and ultimately cross that finish line feeling accomplished and fulfilled.
Build a structured training plan.
Creating a well-rounded training plan that incorporates a variety of workouts, including long runs, speed work, and rest days, is essential for maximizing your marathon preparation. This structured approach not only helps you gradually increase your endurance and speed but also ensures proper recovery and injury prevention. With a clear roadmap guiding your training efforts, you’ll feel more organized, focused, and confident as you work towards achieving your marathon goals.
Increase mileage gradually.
Avoiding sudden jumps in mileage is crucial for preventing overtraining and minimizing the risk of injuries during your marathon training. By gradually increasing your mileage over time, your body has the opportunity to adapt to the demands of running longer distances, reducing the likelihood of burnout or overuse injuries. This approach also allows you to build a solid aerobic base, improving your overall endurance and stamina for race day.
Photographs courtesy of the Toronto Marathon. To sign up for the Toronto Marathon, please click here. Also, please note: this is an ongoing series entitled 26 in the Six. We’ll be sharing more of Lowell’s tips as we get closer to spring race day.
