How to Go from Zero Miles to Marathon in a Flash

Have you ever wondered if there was a shortcut to achieving greater mileage and completing new and bolder challenges? Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to conquer your fears or change the path on which you are currently traveling so that you can achieve your goals? From zero miles to your first marathon, this article will discuss some helpful tips in order for you to prepare for your first-ever running event.

To have a competitive advantage in running races, it is important for you to know what you need to be doing. This may involve learning more about training and adopting strategies that help you run faster and longer. If you want to start preparing yourself for your next running race, then this beginner's guide is exactly what you need!

Sleep, sleep, sleep

Although most of us find it impossible to achieve this, when preparing for your first running event, you should try to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Some people require more and some require less, that’s why it is important to know what your body needs. Studies have shown how sleep loss can actually hinder one’s athletic performance. So as your first step to achieving greatness, try to sleep longer hours and be well-rested as your race day approaches. Your aim is to be alert and energized as much as possible on d-day.

Set a goal and backup goals

You might have a time goal that you’d like to achieve on race day or maybe you’d just like to be able to run the entire time. Unfortunately, a lot can happen on race day that are out of your control. You might not feel your best or the weather may not cooperate. A downpour on the day of the race will slow everyone down. As a result, you might not hit the time you wanted, so it helps to have a secondary target in mind to work toward.
We can never know what will transpire during race day, so you should always have a backup goal. It could be as simple as finishing the race; after all, this is your first running event and you cannot always expect to become the best in an instant. Don’t let this get you down and try again until you achieve your goal in mind.

Start out slow



Before proceeding to do an instant 10-kilometer run on your first day, consider taking it slowly and surely. Don’t try to set a record in your first mile out. It’s best to pace yourself and follow your strategy for your time goal. Start slowly and gradually increase your stride until you’ve settled in your normal training pace.

Have the right mindset

You know what they say, attitude is everything! Maintain a positive attitude during your training and leading up to your race. A positive mental attitude can put you on track for success and help you overcome challenging situations. And again, remember, running a race is supposed to be fun! You’re doing something challenging and out of your comfort zone, so you should stay positive!

Practice, train, plan



It doesn’t matter how many miles your race will cover, preparation is the key to conquering any distance, but especially for newbie runners.

Run several times a week to condition your body. When planning your race training schedule, determine how many days a week you can allot for a practice run. Work with a coach or find a training plan online that you like. Do some research about the race course and know what your longest training run will be leading up to the race.

Determine ahead of time what your fueling strategies are. Do you need a handy Gatorade drink during the race? Or do you need a bar of chocolate to keep you energized?

Experiment before the race with various types of running clothes and decide what’s most comfortable. Certain fabrics irritate the skin, so know what you’ll plan to race in and make sure it doesn’t cause any discomfort, especially when it comes to your running shoes. Leave your favorite casual sneakers at home and take your best running shoes with you to get more mileage.

Get the best training running partner



The Forerunner 945 is Garmin’s premium running smartwatch that takes your running training to the next level. Designed for the driven, this running smartwatch is made for up-at-dawn runners and the conditioned-for-pain triathletes as they chase their next victory. Equipped with an extended battery life, it lasts for up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and 10 hours in GPS mode with music. UltraTrac™ mode is also available to make sure you’ve got enough juice to outlast your longest race.

When every bit of weight makes a difference, this lightweight smartwatch lets you fight for the finish line without bulking up your wrist. Forerunner 945 is miles ahead of the competition with a high-performance silicone band and an ultra-durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX lens. Also with its built-in sports app, Garmin coach, 24/7 health monitoring, Multi GNSS, and advanced performance training technology, you can have the best running coach on your wrist. 

So how do we go from zero miles to a marathon? Follow the steps above and stick to the schedule and training. Always remember that running is like any other hobby or activity—it requires practice and dedication. Running should not be an instant activity, it requires time and endurance just like playing the piano or learning to paint. If you enter with a good plan, a bit of hard work, and the right sportswear + the Forerunner 945, the payoff will surely be worth it.