For a non-runner about to train for his first marathon, I have an interesting confession to make: I hate running. Always have.
This doesn't mean a general disdain for aerobic exercise. Quite the contrary. The Concept 2 Rower is a thing of beauty. Time passes while rowing in an instant and it's been a remarkable way to get into a flow state for me. Maybe rowing is my version of running.
If you are a non-runner prepping for a marathon how many pair of running shoes do you need? Three according to "4 Months to a 4 Hour Marathon". All alike. Use 2 of the pair initiall and alternate your runs with them. These are your "training" shoes. About a month before the marathon introduce the third pair -- your "marathon" shoes -- and cycle all three pairs into your workout. The idea is to break in your marathon shoe and allow your training shoes to last as long as possible and recover in between runs. That's right -- recover. The cushioning in running shoes take a beating whenyou train and by alternating shoes they should last longer. Typically running shoes are good for 500 miles or thereabouts. So my alternating two pair you should get them to last for more than 1000 miles of training. Wow.. that's a lot of running!
