How to measure distance/time of running? Marathon newbie?

[Dea]

I'm just signed up to run a marathon and I want to start training but I'm not sure what the best way to train is...I mean I'm aware of the many training schedule/routines there are available on the internet but how do I measure the distance I'm running? Do I need to use a map to ensure I get a certain amount of miles from X to Y? Would it also help to buy a timer? Marathon newbie here, enlighten me!

 

[Vince M]

Unless you actually measure the distance, either on the map or by driving it yourself, to know the distance you've run, you need the time you ran the distance AND the rate of speed. But you can't know the rate of your speed unless you have someone pace you in a vehicle with a spedometer. And you can't know your time unless you know the rate of speed AND the distance. And so on.

If you KNOW any two of those factors, time, rate or distance, you can calculate the third.

 

[guest]

Go to Google Maps, go to directions make directions from your house to your neighbors house and drag the purple line that it makes around to different streets to make a route that has the distance. You don't need a timer just look at a clock when you leave and when you come back.

 

[Lexi S]

I swear by Hal Higdon's training programs. He has it all, from 5k to marathon, beginner to advanced athlete. I used his plans to start, and re-use his novice speed drills. His plans don't take up too much time during the week, so It's perfect if you have a busy week. Here it is:

http://www.halhigdon.com/index.html

As far as distance, I usually either drive it and measure, or i actually play with google maps. You can drop 2 pins and drag the route if you already know your area, OR what I do on the regular is use my app on my iphone, micoach. I signed up (they have newbie training plans also) but now I just use it for "free running" and it measures your miles, calories burned, elevation and pace. Yes, you can buy a watch that is GPS enabled, i believe it is a little bit more on the expensive side

Good luck. I love it when people decided to commit themselves to this. I set up training plans for friends all the time. Marathon running is very addictive if you get into it, so GOOD LUCK

 

[Android]

Hi.Click on the link that I provided in my sources.Just make a rout in your neighborhood of how many miles you want to complete. Go that rout and take a watch with you. Then see how long it takes for you to do that. Otherwise you can invest your money in a GPS Garmin watch. That watch will tell you how many miles you have done, the time it took you to do that many miles, speed, calories you burned and other things.