Are you Marathon-Ready?

This is marathon season for many.

That means getting miles in and maintaining good health. Training properly means different things to different people.

I have known runners who put in 140-mile training weeks. But that is the exception rather than the rule. I have known others who followed programs that said 30 miles weekly is enough.

There may not be a one-answer-fits-all for proper mileage. I know what worked for me that kept me injury-free during the years I ran marathons so that is what I will share.

Generally, I ran 40-to-50 miles weekly while in training mode. I did long runs on Saturdays, topping out at around 22 miles to get me used to being on my feet for more than 3½ hours. I did weekly speed workouts as well as a tempo run. But I also did slow runs so as not to overdo the training.

There is nothing more frustrating than getting injured during training and either having to skip your marathon or not be able to give more than a token effort.

Get to know what is best for you. Ask those with experience in long-distance races but remember there is not a one-size-fits-all. Do your homework and listen to your body.

And treat the marathon as a wonderful achievement regardless of what the clock says.