To-Do List: Finish First Marathon... check!

“You’re going to run how long? That’s crazy! I could never do that”

Wrong – you can do it! I’m a walking (ok running) testament that non-runners can run a marathon. Before I started my marathon training, I had never run more than 3 miles. Come to find out, one of my high school coaches even refers to slow runners as doing the "Dawson Shuffle." By the way, Dawson is my last name...

Last year, against all odds, I finally checked off "finish first marathon" and completed my first race – with a heat index of 92 degrees. That’s HOT!

I think the local newspaper put it best:

"Elite runners completed the 26.2-miles... before temperatures began to soar. But those in the middle and back of the pack battled oppressive heat until organizers canceled the race about 3 1/2 hours after it had started." - Chicago Tribune

Don't think I was in the elite pack... Crossing the finish line was the culmination of an 18-week marathon training program.

Rest assured, with a bit of help and a touch of motivation, you can finish too. Trust me, I thought it was impossible to run that long of a distance. Yet, I finished one of the most grueling races in Chicago's history.

But I didn't just jump off the couch and start running.

I put a lot of time and effort into researching proper running shoes, the right running shorts, running accessories, nutrition and marathon training guides.

All of this planning got me through 26.2 miles of crazy heat. It was exhilarating! But it wasn't an overnight running success. I put a lot of time into researching, training, setting goals and motivating myself, which helped push me towards becoming a marathoner.

Luckily for you, I've provided all the beginner running tips you need to cross the finish line in the following beginner's running guide, including...

- Best running shoes
- Running apparel (cheap and expensive)
- Marathon training guides
- Inspiring stories from first-timers
- Nutrition for the long-distance running
- Essential stretches for any runner
- Information on Kiawah Marathon to the Boston Marathon
- Speed training, heart rate monitoring and weight training
- Post-race recovery runs... yes, you have to run afterward too!
- More to come on these and other "First-Timer" tips

Get off the couch and get ready to check finish first marathon off your list today!

Finish First Marathon Blog The Finish First Marathon Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the finish-first-maratho.com Web site. Subscribe here.

Running Shoes Running shoes are the most important tool to helping you finish your first marathon. Don’t make the mistake of picking solely on the brand name or color itself.

Marathon Training Marathon training involves more than just running. Speed training, weight training and base training are essentials as well.

Marathon Guide A complete marathon guide to the best, fastest and most fun races!

Marathon Apparel Marathon apparel is different than just regular off-the-shelf exercise clothing. Here you'll find a few tips on selecting running shirts, shorts, pants, hats, socks, etc.

Marathon Motivation Marathon motivation is a key aspect of getting yourself through four months of training and over the finish line after 26.2 miles of pounding pavement.

Marathon Equipment Marathon equipment makes training easier, but some gadgets hinder your performance in the actual race. Read this to know what to buy.

Marathon Stretching Marathon stretching exercises are a great way to keep injury free. Stretching advice for hamstring, running cramps and side stitch.

Marathon Nutrition Marathon nutrition sets the stage for your food and hydration plan. Plan your meals and your fluid intake for sustained energy.

Best Running Music The best running music is both motivation and distraction for the long runs. Music for running has helped many runners finish their first marathon.

Running Articles There are various running articles that discuss different aspects of a marathon. While I do know what it takes to cross the finish line, I believe it’s important to offer up other articles about runni

About Us About Us - Finish First Marathon is my outlet to talk about checking off "finish first marathon" of your life's to-do list. It also covers marathon training, nutrition, shoes, apparel and equipment.

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