Marathon Training Blog

The MarathonRookie.com blog includes all the latest site updates, training tips, and more. Come back often for the latest updates or get instant feeds by clicking the Yahoo!, Google, or MSN tabs on the bottom of the left column.

May 4, 2008, Marathon Directory

USA marathon directory

Apr 18, 2008, Marathon Inspiration

Great stories written and sumitted by visitors to give you added marathon inspiration. Feel free to submit your own story to share with others or to help promote your charity.

Apr 14, 2008, Marathon Calendar

Marathon calendar of marathon and half marathon events in the United States.

Jul 15, 2007, 2008 Marathon Calendar

List of marathon and half marathon events in the 2008 Marathon Calendar

Apr 14, 2007, Running Articles

Various running articles on a number of marathon and half marathon related topics.

Feb 17, 2007, Energy Gel

Consume energy gel to increase enjoyment and improve performance

Dec 21, 2006, Kids Running

Get your family involved and the kids running too while you train for a marathon.

Dec 21, 2006, Running with Music

Running with music...in your head!

Dec 21, 2006, Winter Running

Those cold winter running days

Dec 21, 2006, Marathon Day Support

How to maximize your marathon day support.

Dec 21, 2006, What Motivates a Runner

What motivates a runner to run?

Dec 21, 2006, Regrouping from Missed Training Runs

Regrouping from missed training runs to finish a marathon.

Dec 21, 2006, Making Progress in Training

Making progress in training for a marathon

Dec 21, 2006, No Need for Snobbery

Marathon Training Article: No Need for Snobbery

Dec 20, 2006, Marathon Motivation

Simple advice on marathon and half marathon motivation. Be open-minded and try new things to always keep yourself motivated.

Dec 19, 2006, Commentary: No Need for Snobbery

Recently, I was asked what my opinion is on slow runners. More specifically, “are slow runners ruining the sport?”

For many, running is a highly competitive sport. For the majority, it is not.

Should someone not lift weights because others are stronger? Should someone not read a book because others read faster? Should the Detroit Lions not show up to their football games because the other teams are better? Should some not run because other runners are faster?

Why would someone care if less speedy runners are finishing marathons? After all, the faster runner does not have to worry about the less speedy runners getting in their way or slowing them down since they would be behind the faster runner. Having more participants in marathons also creates a more lively atmosphere at events with more fan support for all runners. The only thing I can logically speculate is that with the growing number of people finishing marathons, some experienced marathoners may feel their accomplishments are diminished, in their own eyes or in the eyes of others.

Why put someone down one who is trying to better themselves or achieve a lofty goal? The reality is there are snobby runners out there. The good thing is they represent a small minority of the running population. Just let them suffer in their snobbery and keep running!

So, for any less speedy runner out there who may be embarrassed by their lack of speed: You are the only one that matters and need not be concerned about the speed of others or feel insecure because others are faster. The only competition is yourself. Give it your personal best and you simply cannot lose.

Dec 12, 2006, Skin Protection for Runners

Important tips on skin protection for runners and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Dec 9, 2006, Christmas Running Gifts

Top 3 Christmas running gifts for you and your loved ones.

Nov 29, 2006, Training Store

Marathon training books, half marathon training books, training journals, and visualization CDs!!

Nov 28, 2006, Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about marathon training and running.

Oct 30, 2006, Overtraining

How to avoid overtraining for a race.

Oct 28, 2006, My First Marathon

My First Marathon by Audrey Scanlan

Oct 22, 2006, Running Art

Selection of running art to keep you motivated.

Oct 21, 2006, Running Safety Tips

Running safety tips to help you stay safe during training.

Oct 21, 2006, Marathon Day Tips

Marathon day tips for a fun and successful finish.

Oct 21, 2006, Aid-station tips

Plan ahead with some aid-station tips for marathon day.

Oct 21, 2006, Carb Loading

Increase your glycogen storage by carb loading the week of the marathon.

Oct 14, 2006, Mini Marathon Training

Schedule for mini marathon training (half marathon).

Oct 6, 2006, Half Marathon Training Journal

New! Half marathon training journal for use with 10-week MarathonRookie.com training program

Oct 6, 2006, Marathon Training Journal

New marathon training journal for 16-week Marathon Rookie training program