Setting a Goal

Setting a goal is the first step to getting started. The next thing you need to do is identify a charity that you would like to run for, then set your fundraising goal. Contact PTSD Resolution.

Choosing a Training Plan

Before you begin your training, it is important to assess your current level of fitness. If you are a beginner runner or have not been active in some time, consider starting with a 5K race as a way to get back into running shape. Once you have completed that race, consider signing up for an 8-week training program through one of the many charity organizations that offer these programs nationwide (such as Team RWB). These programs provide guidance from experienced coaches and mentors who can help motivate and support runners throughout their journey toward completing their first marathon.

Getting the Right Gear

Once you've decided to run for charity, the next step is to get yourself prepared. The first thing to do is to find the right running shoes and purchase the necessary running gear.

If possible, invest in a fitness tracker that will help keep track of your progress as well as provide motivation during training sessions.

Developing a Nutrition Plan

As a runner, you know that proper nutrition is essential to your performance. You also likely know that eating right can help you recover from workouts more quickly and prevent injuries. However, when training for a marathon, it's important to be extra vigilant about what you eat--and when.

To ensure the best results possible from your training program and race day performance, develop a nutrition plan that includes:

A balanced diet rich in carbohydrates (such as pasta) and proteins (such as chicken). These foods provide energy for running long distances without weighing down your body too much; they'll keep blood sugar levels steady throughout exercise so that energy doesn't spike then crash later on during the run.* Snacks before bedtime if needed; avoid eating large meals within two hours before bedtime because they may cause indigestion or heartburn while sleeping.* Plenty of water both during practice sessions as well as after them

Creating a Running Schedule

As you begin to plan for your marathon, it's important to remember that the best way to prepare is by setting realistic goals and establishing a schedule for reaching them. Take some time before you start training to think about how much time you have available each week, and how many miles per week (or month) your body can handle.

When creating a running schedule, there are two key elements: increasing mileage over time and tapering before race day. The first step in building up endurance is increasing mileage slowly over several weeks or months until you reach an appropriate level of fitness for running 26 miles at one time--the distance required by most marathons. This process should include rest days every 7-10 days where no running takes place at all; these rest days allow muscles and joints time off from exercise so they can recover properly before returning again later on in the training cycle (more about this later).

Once runners feel confident about their ability level at longer distances like 10Ks or half marathons--which generally require anywhere between 20-30 miles per week depending on experience level--they may be ready for their next challenge: 26 miles! This means adding more workouts into each week's schedule while still allowing plenty of recovery time between runs so as not burn out too quickly during those long runs themselves

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated is one of the most important things you can do when training for a marathon. The best way to stay motivated is by creating a reward system for yourself, whether it be an evening out with friends or something else that will make you feel good about yourself. A running partner or group can also help keep you on track and give you someone else to share your experiences with. Setting goals for each training session will keep things interesting and allow you to see progress being made over time, which is always motivating!

Incorporating Cross-Training

If you're training for a marathon, it's important to incorporate cross-training into your schedule. Cross-training refers to any type of exercise that isn't running. This can include swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine.

It's also important to stay active when you can't run due to bad weather or other factors beyond your control. If there's no way around it and you have to skip a few days' worth of workouts because of illness or injury (or just because), try doing some light stretching and walking instead--this will help keep muscles loose while keeping them strong enough so they don't get injured in the first place! 

Recovering After Training

Recovery is an important part of the marathon training process. If you don't allow yourself enough time to rest and recover, your body will not be able to handle the stress of running 26 miles.

To ensure that your muscles are ready for their next workout, incorporate rest days into your schedule. This will allow them time to repair themselves before returning to strenuous exercise. You should also use foam rolling and stretching as part of your recovery routine after each run--this will reduce soreness so that when it comes time for race day, you'll feel ready!

Raising Money for Charity

Once you've decided to run a marathon in aid of charity, the next step is to create a fundraising page. This will allow people to donate money directly to cause and help spread the word about your efforts. You can use this link to set up an account with JustGiving, which is one of the most popular platforms for raising money online.


Once you have created a fundraising page and shared it with friends and family members, it's time to start spreading the word! Use social media platforms like or Twitter to let people know why you're running for charity; share photos from training runs; ask them if they'd consider donating towards your goal; tag local businesses who might be interested in supporting your cause by donating prizes or services (such as free massages); post updates about how much progress has been made towards reaching the target amount--and so on!

Race Day Preparation

• Lay out your race-day outfit the night before. This will save you time in the morning and help ensure that nothing gets forgotten.
• Create a checklist for, outlining everything that needs to be done before race day. This can include things like packing food and water bottles, picking up race bibs, getting fitted for shoes at a specialty running store (if necessary), etcetera.
• Arrive at the start line early so that you have time to check in with officials and set up any last-minute details such as timing chips or numbers on clothing items--and don't forget to stretch!