AT THE START, FIRST-TIMERS WANT TO FINISH

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL

Franny Levison was looking to lose a few pounds.

After hiking the Grand Canyon, Ryan Jackson wanted a new challenge.

Tanya Kekki found she now has time to train after graduating from college and finding a job.

Levison, 55, of Weston, Jackson, 27, of Sunrise, and Kekki, 28, of Lake Worth are training for their first marathon. Gulp!

"I have run 5Ks, so for me running 30 minutes my first day of marathon training was normal and easy," said Jackson, a software developer running with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Team in Training for the Jan. 7 Walt Disney World Marathon. "But then I started thinking, 'Oh God, I have to run 20 more miles.' The prospect of having to run so much farther is a little scary."

Jackson's anxiety about running a marathon is natural among first-timers. At 26.2 miles or approximately 52,400 footstrikes, the marathon is the longest and most difficult race most runners and walkers ever attempt. It's also the most popular.

More than 1 million will complete in marathons this year, according to some estimates.

This is the time of the year locals brave heat and humidity to train for fall and early spring marathons, including South Florida's Big Three held in December, January and February.

Coaches, race directors and running store owners say almost anyone can complete a marathon. The real test is finishing it injury-free and without a lot of pain, according to coach and veteran runner Barbara Zaretsky of Sunrise, who has worked with several Team in Training groups.

"It is so rewarding to watch them go from being scared and insecure and self-doubting while they huff and puff the first few trainings," Zaretsky said. "Then, as time goes on and their mileage increases, I love it when they say, 'Wow, only 8 miles today.' The highlight is when they actually cross the finish line with huge smiles on their face and keep their finisher's medals on for weeks. The finish line is truly a highlight of their lives."

The goal of most first-timers is to finish.

Kekki, a chiropractor, is training with the Run and Roll running store marathon group in West Palm Beach.

Most running stores and clubs in South Florida have training groups that meet at various times and locations throughout the week.

Qualified instructors work out individualized training programs for anyone interested in doing a marathon -- usually four months of training for people in good condition and about six months for out-of-shape people. They also talk about the right type of shoes, nutrition and other running basics.

"I always wanted to do a marathon but never had time to train," said Kekki, training for the Dec. 3 Marathon of the Palm Beaches. She graduated from New York Chiropractic College and relocated from Toronto for her job.

"Initially, my goal was to finish, but now since I've been training I want to try and get a good time," Kekki said. "My first training run was 4.2 miles. I felt pretty good. It wasn't a struggle. It is a change because I am used to team sports like soccer and volleyball. But what a great way to meet people."

Kekki said her worst fear is getting injured and "not being able to finish my training or compete. I am a little nervous because I haven't run this type of distance before in this kind if humidity," she said. "I don't think I will need my winterized suit or mittens down here."

Levison, a widow for 18 years and mother of two grown children, went to a Team in Training meeting and got inspired.

"I am totally out of shape, but I feel like the time is right to do it," said Levison, who plans to walk her first marathon. "I heard the stories of people and felt so much more positive about myself. I love to exercise, and I want to lose weight. This is good for me.

"My biggest fear is getting in shape and being able to do this," Levison said. "But then I realize people are doing marathons for all different reasons -- personal losses, sickness in the family, to get in shape or just to challenge themselves.

"I signed up to walk but if I could run just a part of it that would be truly amazing to me. I have never been a runner at all.

"Years ago I was too afraid to do a marathon. I am older than most of the people doing it but I am very gung-ho. My goal is definitely to finish."

Sharon Robb can be reached at srobb@sun-sentinel.com.

IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN

GETTING STARTED

Tips for marathon training from Dave McGillivray, race director of Marathon of the Palm Beaches and the Boston Marathon:

1. Set reasonable goals that are consistent with your fitness level.

2. Make a commitment. Share your goals with a few close friends and family members who will offer support and encouragement.

3. Have patience. Allow three to four months before you begin to see significant progress in your training.

4. Understand that more isn't better. Your training must be planned and followed.

5. Be consistent. To succeed, you must run pretty much every day. A great time to run is early in the morning when there are no distractions.

6. Be prepared to sacrifice. No one said it would be easy.

7. Keep it interesting. Run with a partner, join a local running club for coaching or social benefits and vary your training routes.

8. Allow yourself to feel gratification. Feel proud of yourself for progress you make in reaching certain milestones. It will keep you motivated.

9. Don't obsess. Maintain a healthy balance of running and your daily obligations.

10. Don't underestimate yourself. With willpower and some guts, it is remarkable what the human body is capable of doing.

SHOPPING LIST

Estimated costs for the basics for a first-time marathoner:

Shoes... $90

Socks... $8

Singlet... $25

Shorts... $25

Jog bra...$35

Visor/hat... $20

Energy gel... $1.25

Sunglasses... $40

Body glide... $6

Hydration pack... $25

Runner's watch... $55

Total: $330.25

SOURCE: Running Wild running store, Fort Lauderdale

BY THE NUMBERS

383,000 Finishers for U.S. marathons in 2005.

6,238 Number of finishers in less than 3 hours.

312 Number of U.S. marathons in 2005.

40 Percentage of female marathoners.

4:45.47 Average marathon finisher's time.

THREE FOR THE ROAD

South Florida didn't have any marathons six years ago. Now there are three, each with its own personality and a scenic 26.2-mile course.

MARATHON OF THE PALM BEACHES

When: Dec. 3, 6:30 a.m.

Where: West Palm Beach. Entry fee: $75 on/before Sept. 15, $85 after Sept. 15, $95 after Nov. 26.

Of note: Champagne and caviar for the winners. The third annual event also offers a half-marathon, team relay, 5K, Kids K, Read-and-Run marathon mile and expo.

Contact info: 561-833-3711 or www.marathonofthepalmbeaches. com.

ING MIAMI MARATHON

When: Jan. 28, 2007, 6 a.m.

Where: Miami.

Entry fee: $75 before Sept. 30, $85 before Nov. 30, $95 before Jan. 21.

Of note: Smell the espresso at the finish line. The fifth annual event also offers half-marathon, 5K, kids fitness mile and expo.

Contact info: 305-278-8668 or www.ingmiamimarathon.com.

A1A MARATHON

When: Feb. 18, 2007, 6:30 a.m.

Where: Fort Lauderdale.

Entry fee: $75 May-Aug., $85 Sept.-Nov., $90 Dec.-Feb. 14, $95 expo registration.

Of note: Watch the sun rise along the beach. The second annual event also offers half-marathon, 5-miler, corporate challenge, relay, kids' race and expo. Contact info: 561-241-3801, 888-ESM-SPORTS or www.a1amarathon.com.