Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon Training

Running in old or worn-out shoes is one of the most common causes of running injuries. Get advice on when you should replace your running shoes.

Learn how to know when you can continue running through some discomfort and when you should stop.

Some runners find that they actually gain weight during training. Learn how to avoid it.

Some runners assume they shouldn't eat before running, but you actually should eat before a run to make sure you have enough fuel for your run. Find out when and what to eat before running.

Is treadmill running really easier? Get the answer here.

Proper hydration for running is essential to safety and performance, but runners need to know when they should consume sports drinks and when plain water will suffice.

If you're running more than 90 minutes, you need to replace some of the calories you're burning. Follow these guidelines for when, what, and how much to eat.

Find out what you should be eating after your runs to minimize muscle soreness and maximize recovery.

It's normal to feel hungry when you start a new exercise regimen or you increase your exercise frequency or intensity. You're burning more calories, so your body needs to take more in. Here are some ways you can avoid feeling hungry, with overindulging.

If you're training for a marathon, you've probably heard about the dreaded "wall" that some marathoners hit sometime after the 20-mile mark in a marathon. Here are some tips for beating the wall in a marathon.

Marathon runners often wonder if it's better to wear new, old, or slightly used running shoes on race day. Get the answer.

Many marathoners-in-training wonder if they should run every day or take some days off. Get the answer here.

When training for a marathon, is it normal to feel very tired after long runs? Get the answer, and find out how to avoid exhaustion after long runs.

Many first-time marathoners wonder why so many marathon training schedules don't go beyond 20 miles. Find out why it's not a good idea to run more than 20 miles in marathon training.

Predicting a race time, especially for a long-distance race like a marathon, is tough because there are so many variables. Here's how you can get a rough estimate of your potential.

The decision to carry your own fluids or use water stops during a race is because there are pros and cons to both sides, and each runner has his or her own preferences and habits.

If you feel sluggish and slow during your runs, overtraining may be the cause. Find out what to do to avoid overtraining.

Muscle cramps are often the result of dehydration, so it's important that you make sure you're hydrating properly before, during, and after your runs. Get more information on how to prevent and treat muscle cramps.

In marathon training, do you get the same benefits if you split up your long runs as running it continuously? Get the answer.

Sometimes an illness, an injury, or a hectic schedule prevents us from sticking to our running schedule. Here's how you can handle a break in your training.

Should you run the day before a race? Get the answer.

Marathon runners often wonder if it's better to wear new, old, or slightly used running shoes on race day. Get the answer.

It's important to choose the right running socks for comfort and performance. Here's what you should look for when buying running socks.

Marathoners sometimes experience gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea, also know as "runner's trots", during long runs. Find out what to do if it happens to you and how to avoid it in the first place.

I'm planning on running a marathon in the spring, but icy and snowy conditions have kept me on the treadmill for a lot of my training so far. Will I be adequately prepared for the race if the majority of my training is on the treadmill?

Find out whether or not runners should get pedicures while marathon training.

Many people like to listen to music when running, but there are several disadvantages to running with headphones. Find out why you should think twice before putting on those headphones.

Negative splitting is the ideal way to run a long distance race such as a half or full marathon. Find out what it means to run a negative split.

People of all ages take interest in running marathons. How old do you have to be to participate in a marathon? Get the answer.

Whether it's due to injury, a race day conflict, or some other reason, deferring your marathon to next year can be a heart-breaking and devastating decision. Here are some ways to deal with the stress of having to postpone your marathon.

Is it OK to have a cup of coffee before a run? Get the answer.

Do I have to give up drinking alcohol during training? Get the answer.

Is it necessary to get extra salt before a long run or marathon? Get the answer.

If you have had digestive issues during or after your runs, the foods you're eating in the 24 hours before your runs may be the culprit. Here's a guide to what you should and shouldn't eat before your runs.

It's very common for runners to feel bummed-out, disappointed, sad, maybe even depressed after they finish a big race, like a marathon. The good news is that there are ways to combat these post-race blues, or at least soften the blow. Here are some things to try.

Marathon Running - How Long Does It Take to Run a Marathon

Get tips for reducing jet lag when you're traveling to a different time zone for race.

Should I run a half marathon before attempting to run a full marathon? Get the answer.

Thinking about training for a marathon? Find out the distance of a marathon and how to train for a marathon.

Wondering if you can beat Oprah Winfrey's marathon time? Find out how long it took her to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. in 1994.

Wondered how some famous people did in their marathons? Here are times for some celebrity marathon runners.

Is it normal to miss your period when you're training for a marathon? Get the answer.