How to prepare for these races

It talks about how to prepare for each distance, tips for tackling these races, preparation times, etc.

Kilometers to run in training

As in any long-distance race, the basis of training is practically the same. When we start, we must do a lot of strength training to strengthen our muscles.

However, the number of kilometers to run weekly is different, and it will vary greatly depending on whether you are training for one distance or the other.

The person training for the Marathon will greatly increase the kilometers as the weeks go by. In the case of the half marathon, the increase in weekly kilometers will be less.

When to start training

Regarding the preparation time for both, it will depend a lot on the person's starting point. If we are coming back from a break and start training for a half marathon, the preparation time would be approximately 12 weeks.

For marathon preparation, this would increase to about 16/18 weeks.

All of this assumes we have a base; if we haven't started running or exercising at that point, this time would increase.

Tips for tackling these distances

If we have trained well and arrive in good condition on race day, we should focus on the race pace. We must follow the pace set by our coach, or if we don't have one, the pace we have trained at.

We must listen to the coach, as they have more knowledge and experience. This will increase the chances of you reaching your goals in good condition.

All of this can vary, as there are many factors we cannot control: weather, how we woke up that day, injuries, etc.

The critical kilometers, the wall

As in any distance, the critical point begins when we have covered 75% of the race. This is not an exact science; it can vary for two main reasons:

– For not running at the pace indicated by the coach. If we start the race at a faster pace than we should, "the wall" will come sooner. While if we maintain a slower pace, it is likely that we will not experience those critical kilometers.

– Lack of preparation. In this case, the critical point will come much earlier and we will suffer for much longer.

running training marathon

Other differences

Depending on the athlete's level, these distances can be a challenge or not. For a recreational runner, both distances can often be a great challenge and goal.

In the case of a Marathon, it is a great distance that is not within everyone's reach. Without rigorous preparation, it is likely that you will not reach the finish line. That is why it is very important to prepare very well for this race and if we see that we are not physically prepared, not to run this distance.

For some runners, the New Balance 1500 can be good shoes for running a Marathon.

However, the Half Marathon is a more affordable distance; even if we lack a bit of preparation, the finish line is within reach for most. For many runners, Nike Pegasus are ideal shoes for running a half marathon.

These would be, broadly speaking, the differences between a Marathon and a Half Marathon, according to our coach, Nico Tucci.

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