Six Things New Runners Can Learn from Six Star Marathoners

Spring into your new running plan with motivation from marathoners

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After over a year of canceled races, runners are ready to lace up and jump back into live events. People who travel for races plan their training, work schedules, and vacations around these events, and pandemic-era planning has become difficult to navigate. Yet hope still exists.

What is exciting is that some of the most prestigious races in the world, the Abbott World Marathon Majors, including Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, have announced their event dates.

Running one of these events is an amazing experience, and those who set their sights on running all of the world majors are called Six Star Finishers.

These races are typically spaced apart in a way that will allow Six Star hopefuls to participate in one or more of the events, and this year poses a unique challenge: all of the marathons are within six weeks of each other with Chicago and Boston falling on back-to-back dates in October. Additionally, the Olympic marathons are scheduled within a week of the first World Major.

The running community is no stranger to overcoming challenges as we are known to persevere through questionable weather, difficult courses, and worldwide tragedies. This spring, as people prepare to reemerge from social distancing and isolation, take a page from the Six Star Finishers’ and Hopefuls’ playbook and race forward with the strength and wisdom the running community has shared with the world.

Put on your shoes and jump into your own spring training.

1. Just Start Running
   A lot of new runners don’t know how to start. Put on your shoes, walk out of your door, and just start running (or walking). Taking those first few steps can be hard but it’s never too late. Jane Lennen ran her first marathon at the age of 52 and at first, running for one minute was hard. She achieved her goal and enjoys using her medals as a reminder of her accomplishments and to give herself a boost. Everybody starts with one step forward.
2. No Matter What, Keep Going
   This is the motto of streak runners – people who set a goal to run every day for a set number of days. This could be one week to one year; the distances vary depending on the goals of the individual streaker. Streak runners teach us to set a goal and stick to it. Think of your spring running goals. Set a realistic goal for yourself, share your goal with friends, and make it happen. Set yourself up for success by committing to work every day towards your goal – no matter what (of course, if you are injured, please take a break).
3. Form Your Game Plan
   It is important to know your training routes so that you can plan for terrain, weather, and hydration. Planning out your routes will take the guesswork out of your training and will let you focus on things like safety, technique, and your running stride. The more you plan before you are on the road the more energy you will have for your mental game.
4. Dedicate a Run to Someone Special
   I often talk with runners about truly understanding their “why” for running so that they can dig deep when their bodies feel tired and allow their motivation and positive emotions to carry them forward. Similarly, Paralympic champion Richard Whitehead ran the NYC marathon to raise funds for two charities after losing his friend Simon Mellows to cancer. Think about who motivates you to continue running and to achieve your spring goals.
5. Seek Medical Care When You Are Uncertain
   Runners want to run—sounds simple, right? Well, it isn’t always so. It’s normal to feel muscle soreness after a workout, but it is not normal to feel pain. Be sure to consult with your physician to gain medical clearance to engage in exercise and seek specialists if you still have questions about your condition.
6. One Marathon Is Never Enough
   Many marathoners think to themselves, “For me, it’s one and done,” but after they cross the first finish line, they are often enchanted by the glory of reaching their goal and commit to another race. You, too, might think that “just one run,” will be all it takes to help you reach your goals. And you might find yourself in love with the sport of running. Willy Luyten began running at age 50 and earned his sixth star during his 288th marathon in Chicago in 2018. You might be far from your 288th run, but stay committed to your goal and plan, develop a positive mindset, and spring into the running season with motivation and the promise of one more run.