Completing a full marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles) is no easy task, but can be an incredibly rewarding experience if prepared for properly. Hard work, dedication, and a good pair of running shoes all contribute to a solid attempt. When I trained for my first marathon, I didn't know enough about proper footwear to complement my work ethic. After a few ?trial runs,? I learned how to buy the best running shoes according to my foot type and running pattern. Also, I formed a tentative training schedule and maintained my shoes properly, both of which maximized my running potential.

The best way to train is to make a routine schedule and live by it. No problem, right? It sounds simple, but don't forget it because an interrupted training season severely affects your preparation. After a two-month break during the training season, I had to start over again and go back to the basics. I was out of shape physically and mentally. The key to reaching full potential is to maintain a constant rate of growth by eliminating interruptions to your routine.

Before shopping, sit down and think about what footwear your body needs. Experienced marathon runners need running shoes built for speed, but most marathon runners need shoes with cushioning and support. A variety of foot and arch shapes exist, and you'd expect that flatfooted people have different needs than those with high arches. Manufacturers take these differences into account when developing the design, and thus create design-based functions for shoes.

In addition to foot type, marathon shoes should also accommodate to your specific running pattern. You might experience overpronation, the complete collapse of the arch, and thus a complete rolling of the foot inward upon impact. If ignored, it can cause hyperextension in the ligaments and tendons of the foot. Shoes with high arch support solve this problem by limiting the arch collapse. You also might experience underpronation, or the lack of sufficient collapse, which can lead to fatigue of the arch and pain in the hip or lateral side of the knee. Those who underpronate need neutral-cushioned shoes with little arch support to allow for the natural pronation motion.

The best time to buy a new pair of marathon running shoes is at least a month and a half in advance of the actual marathon. This period gives you enough time to ?break in? your shoes. A better indicator than time is to make sure your shoes endure at least 100 miles before competition. They should feel comfortable the moment you put them on, with about a 1/2 inch from your toes to the tip of the shoe.

Once you have a reliable pair of running shoes, the goal is to make them last. Marathon training wears down the outsoles much quicker than training for other events does. As said before, it is better to judge the wear-and-tear by miles rather than time. A good way to ensure your shoes make it to their estimated 400-mile lifespan is to use them only for running. Manufacturers design running treads to endure forward-backward motion, so any activities with lateral movement can impair the shoe's ability to grip the ground.

Preparation makes the difference between an average effort and an outstanding one. With hard work, dedication, and knowledge of your own bodily needs, marathon running can be a great experience and accomplishment. Consistent routine training will keep you in shape and ensure that you don't lose any hard-earned progress. With proper footwear to help prevent injury and supplement your training, you can be confident that those miles and hours of dedication will truly paid off.