Simple as this: You can do it!
Participating in a marathon can be at times quite intimidating, yet there are a number of ways to pursue this ultimate of individual challenges, insuring success on many levels. One can take their fitness future in their own hands by walking or combining a walk/run effort; the important thing is simply to start. As a coach and fitness trainer who has seen the marathon conquered by those of every talent and experience level, I continue to be amazed by the human spirit.
In this weekly offering leading to the 8th annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, I hope to guide and inspire those of you who would like to set that date as a goal. Included will be a weekly marathon update for those aspiring to this event, however that will not be the only aspect of this series. As we are not all runners, this column will hope to help the masses who simply want to enact a lifestyle change. The reasons many of us take on a sedentary lifestyle are many; all that matters is that we make a commitment to reverse the trend.
We will chronicle the experiences of some who have succeeded in doing this, and detail ways to better yourself physically, as well as your mental approach. So often, we measure our effort by comparing the results to others; the only true test is how much of our potential we reach. It reads like a cliché, but it’s as pivotal as anything you can take from this.
Why not create a personal fitness challenge for 2008? What I can assure you of is no matter what distance, speed, or form your effort takes on, you’ll re-visit qualities you possess which may have been tucked away for years. You’ll experience unexpected victories along the way, and make MOTION a “way of life” in the process. The marathon may well become only a small part of your “success story”.
We will discuss strategies for everyone from the sedentary individual to the advanced runner. Your input and questions concerning all aspects of fitness are welcome, and one column each month will be focused on questions received, and will be geared to the novice as well as seasoned athlete. Included will be training programs which-if desired-will take you day-by-day, week-by-week through 4 months of discipline and perseverance. Then again, what truly pivotal accomplishment can you think of that hasn’t contained each of these ingredients. Also addressed in the coming weeks will be nutritional needs, the most common stretching and strengthening techniques for runners and other active individuals, and how to achieve the mental edge needed for such an endeavor.
Today we tackle the plight of the novice runner/walker; how can one even seriously consider participating in a marathon, when currently overweight, or only marginally active. First, you absolutely must consult your doctor, to determine if there are any hidden risks to adopting a more active lifestyle. Then, it’s important that the ultimate goal (to walk the 5-kilometer-3.1 miles-event, be part of a relay team, or aspire to the full 26.2 mile endeavor) not be dwelled upon; I can’t emphasize enough the value that MOMENTUM plays in your progress. Whether positive or negative, it’s very powerful. If you’ve been sedentary for a month, a year, 5 years, that’s negative momentum that has to be reversed. Again, this is best accomplished by not harping upon how far you have to go, but by making strides-however small-each and every day. This is how we’ll get started, and the transformation that can occur, both physically and otherwise, is impossible to describe. For some right away, for others when just about ready to throw in the towel, the shift to POSITIVE momentum occurs. That’s Victory #1.
For now, the first step is to make the commitment to yourself; you don’t even have to make it known to anyone else. Whether you’re not sure you can walk around your entire block, or you’ve aspired to the marathon, and feel now is the time, telling yourself it’s worth the effort is all-important. Again, I strongly recommend a visit to your physician, being sure to mention your goal. If they have concerns, you must adhere to them. Once given the go-ahead, we’ll create a plan-next week’s article will include the first four weeks training schedule-that gives you the best chance of reaching your goal.
As we all begin with varying degrees of ability, the regimen you follow will be created over the coming weeks, so don’t worry about following the daily workouts to the letter. As well, since we all have lives outside our athletic endeavors, if a particular schedule is devised for you, inevitably some days will be missed. Don’t sweat it; as potentially life-changing as this quest can be, it can be accomplished-with a measured approach and the right mindset-on your own terms. Best of luck to you all; see ‘ya next week!
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