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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Am I ready to run a marathon...?

    Related Topics
    Fitness and Sports Medicine Sports Injuries & Prevention
    Running a marathon has always been on my checklist in life. I am very motivated now and would like to go ahead and sign up however my friends and family warn me that it is very serious and I could potentially be seriously injured if not well-prepared. I jog about 3-4 times a week but have never done any SERIOUS training… is it safe to go ahead and sign up and begin running harder?
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    Kylie Royal Meehan

    Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer

    Owner, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Recreational Running Coach, Speaker/ Presenter Fit Well You is all about joining the circle of health and wellness. Who you are, … View Profile

    If its a goal you, have then I say DO IT!! Just perhaps not tomorrow!!
    What I would recommend is choosing a few different race options and then seeking some professional advice to assist with a training program and also the decision of which one would best suit. I have several clients who I prepare for marathon running and find that the key factor that gets them to the start line, prepared physically and mentally, is not only the training but also having had an individually structured and periodised program.
    What I mean by that is a program where your session volume builds gradually, where recovery weeks are factored in, that important life functions are allowed to fit in and that you dont spend the months leading in to your big event feeling deprived of life. Having your head in the right mental state is as important as being physically strong and able. And even if you're just out there to finish, these factors will definitely affect how you cope with the 42.2 km of running, and how you recover afterwards.
    As an Adventure athlete myself I have experienced both the highs and lows of training programs and can guarantee that the many hours of training that have to be devoted to such a goal, is far less of a sacrifice when you feel you have support, motivation, fitness and also a life!
    You have a base of running and all you have to do is build on this. With the right advice and good technique it is most certainly safe. Marathon running is about volume and consistency not about running harder!
    If you want more advice, please dont hesitate to ask. Kylie

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Diet and nutrition are also important to consider when running marathons as what you put into your body leading up to the event can dramatically affect your performance.

    If you would like specific details you can send me an email or get in contact with me via healthshare.com.au, and I can give you some tips on what to eat before, during and after the marathon to ensure you get the best out of your performance and recovery.

    Alternatively you may wish to consult an Accredited Sports Dietitian. You can find one by logging onto www.sportsdietitians.com.au. The site also have some great factsheets!

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    Dr Nicholas Miller

    Chiropractor

    Special interest include; Wellnes,nutrition, physical exercise, headaches and sports injuries. My aim is to improve the wellness and health of all my clients. View Profile

    Fantastic that you have set a goal!!! The key to anything is planning. Running 42 Kms is no easy task considering it takes several hours to compete. Some questions to ask your self 
    - what is current fitness levels like
    - when do you plan to achieve your goal?
    - how much time and energy are you able to and willing to give to acheive your goal?

    Running marathon is a relative simple task (all your doing is running) but complex at the same time. Training, diet, recovery and healing timeframes, mindset, running technique all play a major part in the lead up to and on race day to ensure, 
    a) you complete it
    b) you minimize your risk of injury

     A marathon requires a high expectation of both body and mind. So preperation is key. 


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    Dr Richard Wong

    Personal Trainer

    Qualified with a B: Human Movement Science and Certificate. I grew up with sport. I competed succesfully at a state and national level as a … View Profile

    I would totally recommend going for it. Set that goal and train for it.the thing is marathon running is that you simply need to do a little longer each week. Remember volume is the key not speed. Start by setting yourself several runs throughout the year gradually getting longer each time. That way you can maintain your body. I would recommend building up to running a few Half marathons and then running your full. A plan considering the part of the year would to be run the bay run or city to surf, then the half in september. It is a little close though. If not running the 9km bridge run and run the half in may next year and then the full on the gold coast. You could even consider joining the runs that Sri chimney runs throughout the year. Assistance with a professional will help immensely to make sure you plan the most efficiently way. Any more questions email me on richard@visionpt.com.au

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