Run Your First Marathon with Confidence from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Start the course, focus on the finish

Finish your first marathon before you start running by committing to this course

Learn this foundation to improve your overall running technique

For more information about me, visit www.simonscotting.com

Let's stay in touch

@simonscotting

This course is like a living "book" you can read and return to when you have questions. I will continue to add material to the course over time.

You will get warm, you will sweat, you will chafe. Prepare for it with the right running gear.

How to choose shoes and socks for running

Avoid chaffing

Don't let bad weather prevent you from training. Challenge yourself to stick to the training plan by preparing bad weather clothing for your runs.

Your running gear should build confidence and reduce friction (in every sense).

The training plan for this course will focus on building your distance so you can finish your first marathon. Here's how to decide which version of the plan to follow.

Enter a marathon for motivation in starting and sticking to the training plan

How the training plan works

Plan your training run routes ahead of time to make them more interesting.

Schedule your runs to make sure they happen

Focus on the plan and the results will take care of themselves

Running should feel easy

Run faster, further, and more efficiently by improving your leg movement

Make it easier for your legs to carry your upper half when running

Gradually improve your pace by focusing on individual body parts

Running uphill and downhill is good practice for the marathon, but also good training for running in general

Simple bodyweight training exercises and sample routine with progression. This is optional (like everything in life).

Getting enough sleep is the only way to make positive fitness gains from your training. During the day, try to move more.

When to stretch, and why rolling is better

Your belief or doubt will determine your ability to do something

Own the Suck... Don't let the Suck own you

Reduce the complexity and quantity of decisions by simplifying decisions. Avoid re-deciding whenever possible.

Only boring runners get bored while running :)

Willpower is required to stick to the training plan, here's how to increase yours

You need to build real Confidence through training and good gear which you can spend during the race.

Consistently following the training plan will develop your physical body, practice decision-making, and build confidence

Negative thoughts are inevitable with long-distance running, but you can choose how to respond to it.

Running will make you more aware of what you eat. Cleaning up your diet will make your runs feel different

Eating and drinking during long runs take some practice. Eating and drinking after long runs is important to progress recovery.

Do your experimenting during the training runs, stick to what you know works well on race day.

Apply your practice with planning training runs to plan your race day logistics

Visiting the registration event is a good way to check where the race start is

Your training is done, so relax. There is nothing more you can do to prepare, only things to avoid which could hurt you tomorrow.

Control your energy, you will need it later

Playing games is the best way to get through the middle of the race

Good decisions prevent bad things from happening, but sometimes the race does not go to plan. Here's what to do.

The real only starts after 32km (20mi) and is against yourself

You can do this. You are more capable of greatness than you think.

There are some important things you can do after the race (and tomorrow) to recover quickly.

Regular life can seem dull after your first marathon. The fight back starts before the race is over.

How soon can/should you run another marathon?

Did you enjoy overcoming your self-doubt? Push your boundaries even further.

Training for a marathon is a meta-exercise is achieving big crazy goals in life.

Stay in touch. Forever.

www.simonscotting.com
Strava: Simon Scotting
Instagram/ Twitter: @simonscotting
Facebook: simon.scotting

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive training plan that focuses on building distance, which is ideal for first-time marathon runners seeking a structured approach

Emphasizes the importance of mental preparation alongside physical training, addressing a crucial aspect often overlooked by novice runners

Includes guidance on selecting appropriate running gear to minimize discomfort and maximize performance, which is helpful for those new to long-distance running

Offers advice on nutrition and hydration strategies specifically tailored for long runs, enabling runners to optimize their performance and recovery

Includes strategies for managing race day logistics and unexpected challenges, which can help alleviate anxiety and improve the overall race experience

Suggests that learners visit the instructor's website and social media, which may be useful for learners who want to learn more about the instructor's background

Reviews summary

Complete guide for first marathon confidence

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for anyone aiming to finish their first marathon. Students found the structured training plan easy to follow and effective for building endurance. A major highlight is the course's strong focus on mental preparation and building confidence, which many found crucial for overcoming challenges. The comprehensive coverage of topics like gear, nutrition, and race day strategy is also highly valued. While particularly strong for beginners, those with more experience might find some content less challenging. The instructor support and community access are seen as valuable additions.

Prepares you for more than just running.

"I was surprised how much useful information there was on gear, nutrition, and race day logistics."

"Knowing what to expect on race day, from logistics to pain management, made a huge difference."

"The advice on chafing and gear selection saved me a lot of discomfort."

Instructor is readily available for questions.

"Having direct access to the instructor for my questions was incredibly helpful."

"The Q&A sessions added a lot of value beyond the core lessons."

"Being part of the Facebook group made the training feel less isolating."

Provides a clear path to the finish line.

"The structured training plan gave me a clear roadmap for reaching the marathon."

"Following the plan step-by-step made training feel less daunting."

"I appreciated how the plan built up distance gradually, just like promised."

Builds crucial confidence for race day.

"The mental strategies taught really helped me push through tough moments during long runs."

"Learning how to 'Own the Suck' was surprisingly effective."

"The course isn't just about running; it's also about believing you can do it."

Ideal for absolute beginners.

"As someone who had run a few half marathons, some parts felt a bit too basic."

"This course seems perfectly tailored for someone starting from scratch or with very little running background."

"If you're looking for advanced training techniques, this might not be the right fit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Run Your First Marathon with Confidence with these activities:

Review Basic Running Form

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of basic running form to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injury before starting the training plan.

Browse courses on Running Form

Show steps

Watch videos demonstrating proper running form.
Practice the key elements of good form during easy runs.
Record yourself running and analyze your form.

Join a Running Group

Show steps

Participate in group runs to gain support, motivation, and advice from other runners.

Show steps

Research local running groups in your area.
Attend a group run and introduce yourself to other members.
Participate in regular group runs and share your experiences.

Review 'Run Less, Run Faster'

Show steps

Review this book to gain insights into efficient training strategies and alternative approaches to marathon preparation.

View Runner's World Run Less Run Faster: Become a... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book's introduction and key chapters on training principles.
Compare the book's training plans to the course's plan.
Identify strategies from the book that you can incorporate into your training.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Race Day Logistics Plan

Show steps

Develop a detailed plan for race day logistics to minimize stress and ensure a smooth experience.

Show steps

Research the race course and identify key locations (start, finish, aid stations).
Plan your transportation to and from the race.
Create a checklist of essential items to bring on race day.
Outline your pre-race and post-race routines.

Document Your Training Journey

Show steps

Create a training log or journal to track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and identify areas for improvement.

Show steps

Choose a method for documenting your training (e.g., journal, blog, spreadsheet).
Record details about each run, including distance, time, and how you felt.
Reflect on your progress and identify challenges.
Analyze your data to identify patterns and trends.

Review 'Advanced Marathoning'

Show steps

Review this book to deepen your understanding of advanced marathon training concepts and strategies.

View Advanced Marathoning on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book's sections on training theory, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Analyze the book's training plans and compare them to your own.
Identify strategies from the book that you can implement in future training cycles.

Design a Post-Marathon Recovery Plan

Show steps

Create a detailed recovery plan to help your body heal and rebuild after the marathon.

Show steps

Research effective post-marathon recovery strategies.
Outline your recovery plan, including rest, nutrition, and active recovery activities.
Schedule your recovery activities for the days and weeks following the race.

Career center

Learners who complete Run Your First Marathon with Confidence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Running Coach

A running coach helps individuals of all levels achieve their running goals, from beginners to seasoned marathoners. A course like "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" helps to build a foundation for becoming a running coach by providing insights into training plans, injury prevention, and mental preparation. By understanding how to guide someone through their first marathon, a coach can leverage this methodology to inspire them. In particular, the course offers useful knowledge around gear selection, route planning, and race day strategies, all of which are essential for a running coach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Running Coach

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. The training plans in "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" provide an overview of how to build a training regimen. The personal trainer can use the training methodologies when working with their clients. The course can be useful as it also teaches the importance of gear and injury prevention.

See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Trainer

Wellness Consultant

Wellness consultants work with individuals or organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being. The core principles taught in "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" such as goal setting, physical training, and mental fortitude, directly translate into a more holistic approach to wellness. By understanding the transformative power of marathon training, consultants can help make informed decisions about wellness, including how to inspire others to embrace fitness. The course's emphasis on confidence-building and overcoming self-doubt is valuable for a wellness consultant who wants to empower clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Consultant

Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes or provide one-on-one training to help clients improve their physical fitness. The training plans, running technique improvements, and injury prevention strategies covered in "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" provides a fitness instructor with practical tools and knowledge to help clients achieve their fitness goals. The course's instruction on physical and mental preparation also lends itself to the work that a fitness instructor does by increasing self esteem. The course could be particularly useful for fitness instructors who want to add running programs to their repertoire.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fitness Instructor

Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists work with athletes to improve their mental game, enhance performance, and overcome psychological barriers. The focus on mental preparation and confidence-building from "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" is directly relevant. The course's teachings on managing negative thoughts, increasing willpower, and simplifying decisions can be valuable tools for a sports psychologist to use with their clients. An advanced degree, such as a master's or PhD, is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Psychologist

Life Coach

Life coaches help clients identify their goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential. The core theme of "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" centers on transformation, and this may be useful for a life coach. The course can help coaches guide clients in setting ambitious goals. The course's focus on building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and simplifying decisions may provide a unique vantage point for a life coach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach

Corporate Wellness Specialist

Corporate wellness specialists design and implement programs to improve the health and well-being of employees within a company. They often encourage running as a group exercise. The principles from "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" are essential for specialists who aim to encourage employees. The course emphasizes the transformation from self-doubt to confidence, which helps specialists create a supportive environment. The course's sections on physical and mental preparation may inform wellness programs for participants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Wellness Specialist

Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement programs to promote health and wellness within communities or organizations. "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful by giving a health educator practical knowledge of marathon training and the positive impact such an event can have on one's life. Understanding the mental and physical challenges of marathon running can help a health educator create compelling and persuasive wellness programs. The course touches upon diet and nutrition which can further inform the work of health educators as they develop their programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful by offering insights into how running, and specifically marathon training, can be used as a tool for physical and mental rehabilitation. The course's emphasis on confidence-building, goal setting, and overcoming challenges can be valuable in helping patients achieve their therapeutic goals. The course focuses on the mental aspects of running, which may be critical for therapists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist

Physical Education Teacher

Physical education teachers instruct students in physical activities, sports, and health-related topics. The training plans in "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful, providing a physical education teacher with a framework for creating their own running programs for students. The course's emphasis on building confidence, setting goals, and overcoming challenges can be integrated into their teaching approach. The course also provides important strategies around diet, gear, and injury prevention.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Education Teacher

Sports Journalist

Sports journalists report on sports-related news and events for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television. "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful, providing a deeper understanding of the mental and physical aspects of marathon training. This can allow the journalist to improve the depth of their reporting. The course's insight into the marathon experience, from training to race day, would be invaluable in crafting insightful stories about runners and the sport.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Journalist

Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists study human movement and apply their knowledge to improve health, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. A kinesiologist may find "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" to be useful by providing practical insights into the biomechanics of running. The course touches on ways to increase speed and efficiency by focusing on body part movements. This may help a kinesiologist better understand how to optimize running technique.

See salaries and explore the career path for Kinesiologist

Outdoor Recreation Leader

Outdoor recreation leaders plan, organize, and lead outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and running for individuals or groups. The training plans discussed in "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful, providing a framework for creating their own running programs for outdoor enthusiasts. The course's emphasis on preparing for different weather, route planning, and gear selection may provide leaders with insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Outdoor Recreation Leader

Athlete Manager

Athlete managers represent and manage the careers of professional or amateur athletes. The insight into the physical and mental demands of marathon training, provided by "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence", may provide unique insights. This can enable an athlete manager to better support and advise their clients. The course covers the topics of training plans, race day logistics, and post-race recovery, all of which are valuable for an athlete manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athlete Manager

Motivational Speaker

A motivational speaker inspires and empowers audiences through speeches and presentations. "Run Your First Marathon with Confidence" may be useful by providing a personal case study in overcoming challenges and achieving ambitious goals. The speaker can draw on the transformative journey of marathon training to illustrate the power of mindset, perseverance, and self-belief. The course provides insights on how to overcome self doubt.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motivational Speaker

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Run Your First Marathon with Confidence.

Advanced Marathoning

Save

Provides in-depth information on marathon training principles, including periodization, nutrition, and injury prevention. It valuable resource for runners who want to take their training to the next level. It adds more depth to the course by providing detailed scientific explanations of training concepts. It is commonly used by experienced marathoners and coaches.

Advanced Marathoning

Paperback

Runner's World Run Less Run Faster

Save

Presents a training methodology focused on high-intensity workouts and cross-training to improve marathon performance while reducing mileage. It useful reference for understanding alternative training approaches. It provides a different perspective on marathon training that complements the course's training plan. It is commonly used by runners looking to optimize their training.

Runner's World Run Less Run Faster: Become a Faster...

Paperback

Runner's World Run Less Run Faster: Become a Faster...

Kindle Edition

Run Your First Marathon with Confidence

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Complete guide for first marathon confidence

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses