You never experience any kind of running activities before. Now you are intereting with marathon, and want to get a try. but it is only 2~3 month before the opening of which marathon you prefer to join in. Or you are afraid of that running 26.2 miles is too hard to your body and you have no chance to finish it. So it maybe a good idea to start from a half marathon at first.

 

The running distance of a half marathon is 13.1 miles, haf the distance of a marathon. According to the report on Wiki, participation in half marathon has grown steadily recently. A half marathon is still a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon requires. Normally a 2~3 month moderate training is much enough for finishing a half marathon in requiring time. On the other ...

When you decide to prepare for a marathon like me, the priority task is choosing a marathon training program. A good program is much important than you can imagine. It can garantee you reach the finish line of the endless 26.2 miles, and avoid you from injuries. 

 

If you haven't decided whether pay for a training program, there is an alternative choice on Runner's World. Find the smart coach and answer a few questions, then you will get a specified training schedule.

 

I would recommend a training schedule include 4 running a week, 2 of them are easy run and 1 long distance and 1 speed work. It is proved very effectively by myself. If possible, take some cross training like swimming would be much helpful.

Yes, 26.2 miles is a long way. You can't finish even half marathon without a period time of training. But  Boston 

 

Marathon sells out in a day! Why would so many sane person so enjoy in running a marathon?