It’s a new year and many of us have our eyes on big goals to go farther or faster, start a strength routine or try some new cross training activities. If a marathon is on your list for this year read our best marathons for newbies before choosing one of the hundreds of events around the Pacific Northwest.
Most importantly, pick a marathon that fits realistically into your race calendar. After considering work and family commitments throughout the year, decide how long a training block you need to prepare. Talking this over with a coach or an experienced friend might give you a good outside perspective of what kind of a plan you will need, but usually eighteen weeks is pretty standard, assuming you are healthy and have a decent running base. We offer a 24-week marathon training plan.
When you’ve got a general time frame you can start looking at events based on location, weather, size, course difficulty, or even whether it’s a Boston qualifier if you’re inspired to challenge yourself! Do you want to wake up in your own home that morning or would it be fun to make a vacation with friends or family out of the event? Do you want crowds and hoopla along the way, with a traditional expo filled with vendors before the event? Or, do you prefer something more low key but that still boasts great volunteers and aid station support along the course?
Best Marathons for Newbies
Here are five great options that cover a whole spectrum of what you might want for a fantastic first marathon experience.