A Christian Runner's 5k 10k Half Marathon Beginner Training Guide for Success

By Bonnie Mechelle, Christian Weight Loss Support Coach

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When you set the goal of running a 5K, 10k or half Marathon for the first time, you are throwing down the gauntlet and challenging your body to move beyond the limits you have previously set for it. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) tell us, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” So, as long as we set a goal prayerfully and commit our efforts to the glory of God, we can’t help but achieve success.

In this quick guide for Christians who are training to run a 5K, 10k or half Marathon , you’ll find both tips for success and encouragement to see your goal through.

• Staying focused
The word FOCUS is also an acronym for: Follow One Course Until Successful. That means not giving up when things get difficult, or boring. It means to set your eyes on the prize and keep them focused until you have attained it.

• Preventing injury
Paying attention to important things such as taking the time to do a full warm up and cool down before and after training runs, getting plenty of rest, hydrating properly, and working with a coach or trainer are crucial to your success. If you get injured your goal of running the half Marathon are over, so take care of your body every day.

• Being consistent
Committing to a consistent training schedule will help you to stick with it when it becomes challenging. Training two miles a day six days a week is better and easier on your body than trying to run four or five miles every few days.

• Prayer
Colossians 4:2 reminds us, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Prayer is a powerful force that will strengthen you when you feel weak, encourage you when you feel like giving up, and fill your heart with peace. Pray before you run, while you run, after you run and watch how your progress improves.

• The Importance of having support
In, Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, we learn, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" A supportive group of others who share similar goals and interests can be a great encouragement when you have set a challenging goal for yourself. Having a great coach to support, encourage and keep you from injury can make the difference between you reaching your goal and giving up from discouragement.

Follow these tips, keep your diet healthy and get adequate rest while you are training for your race. Set incremental goals and celebrate when you achieve them. Work with a coach and follow their advice. Most of all, have fun and enjoy training your body. You should be grateful for the health and strength to run any distance.

If you believe that you can train for and successfully complete a 5k, 10k, or half Marathon , then you are already half way towards your goal. Jesus said, “Anything is possible if you believe.” (Mark 9)