The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon is 15 weeks away.  It's not too late to start training but it is time to make the commitment.  My first suggestion is to sign up now.  Consider it a down payment or investment in yourself.  It will help put a focus on your training and set you up to believe that "You Can Do This".

If you don't have a training plan, log onto the marathon web site and click the training bar.  I've set up four different programs that include post race recovery weeks. The programs are in progress and it's OK to jump into week 6 or 7 and get rolling.  These programs are meant as a guide, not cut in stone.  Move some of the days around to fit your schedule. Rest days are important as is developing a routine.  The keys to success are getting in the mileage and consistency. A few long runs will help with the mental fatigue you'll experience late in the marathon. I'm a strong proponent of splitting up some of your long runs.  For example, instead of doing an eighteen miler on Saturday, run nine miles in the morning and nine in the evening.  I think you body will get a lot more out of the workout, you'll recover quicker and there is less chance for injury.

Training for the marathon is all about endurance and strength.  I've found that the best way to do this is very simple - put in the miles. Your homework isn't about speed, hill work or the time of your best training workout. Fitting a few miles into your schedule everyday at a comfortable pace will get you the best results.

You are the only person who really cares about what time you run the marathon.  A week after the race is over, few people will remember your time but they will remember that you accomplished something significant.

If you're a first timer it's not too late to sign up for one of the many running specialty store in-training programs. Go to the marathon web site for a list of locations convenient for you. Most offer weekly runs and a place to meet other first timers and some marathoners that will share their own first time experiences. Most classes bring in experts that will give you information about stretching, nutrition, clothing and how to find the right pair (or pairs) of shoes.

Many programs offer organized twenty-mile training runs a few weeks before the marathon. Why struggle through your preparations when there are many runners that will help make the work fun.

In training web site
http://www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com/

In training programs at:

Bauman's Running Center - [email protected] - 810 238-5981

Gazelle Sports - www.gazellesports.com - 616 940-9888

Hanson's Running Shop - www.hansons-running.com - 313 882-1325

Playmakers - www.playmakers.com - 517 349-3803

Runner's Choice - www.runnerschoice.on.com - 519 672-5928

The Running Factory - www.runningfactory.com - 519 945-3786

Running Fit - www.runningfit.com - 248 380-3338

Running Gear - www.runmichigan.com/runningear - 248 623-7296

Total Runner - www.totalrunner.com - 248 354-1177