Running for exercise to improve your health and fitness levels. You may be ambitious to start with, but running for the first time can be a hard, messy experience. If you stick with a consistent training program, you will see that running yields fantastic results, not only for your health, but to your overall mental well-being. Running can be a great stress reliever, and running longer distances can give you plenty of time to solve all of life’s problems!

You may start out walking more than running, but after time, you will have built your endurance up to handle longer running times. A good training program will start you running in moderation, and slowly building your mileage over the weeks. As time passes by and your running progresses, you may think about training to complete every long distance runner’s dream: the marathon.

Marathon training should be a gradual process. Marathon training requires not only putting in the miles, but also about mental preparation. The biggest challenge many first time marathoners face is finishing the race; finishing with a great time should not be a factor when training for your first marathon. Your main goal should be to finish the marathon healthy and rested.

A marathon training program should be individually designed to meet the runner’s specific goals and needs. Not everyone can fit a one-size-fits-all regimented program. When you begin a jogging program, remember to start in moderation and increase distance over a four-week period of time. Even those who have been regularly exercising should consider consulting their doctor for a full physical examination before embarking on a marathon training program.

Your running should be aimed at building up your fitness, stamina, strength and speed, to lay down a sound base for your marathon preparations. If your aim is not only to finish the run, but also to complete in a good time, then a training schedule, which includes both speed and endurance training, should be undertaken. Training at greater speeds helps to build stronger muscles and improve your running efficiency. Serious athletes do a lot of speed work, and relatively little long distance work.

Beginners, work on increasing your running distance and improving your fitness level before attempting the above. The more you run and convince yourself that you are capable of running long distances, the more confident you’ll feel when marathon time rolls around. Running for exercise will lead you to a more healthy, less stressed life.