Marathon Training Tips and Advice

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Training for a marathon can seem like a very daunting task. Less than 1 percent of runners in the United States have completed one, so it is a bucket list item for many people. Running can decrease the risk of diabetes, depression, and heart disease while helping you maintain a healthy weight. If you’re new to running marathons, or recently made a goal to run one, you might be wondering where to start.

Training:

  • Find a marathon training plan and try to stick to it, but don’t freak out if you miss a few workouts.

  • Never try anything new on race day. That includes food and clothing. Use a 10 mile + run as a test run for race day. Do everything you will do on race day during this test run. Wear the clothes you plan on wearing, eat the same pre-race meal, and use the same fuel during this test run as you plan on doing during the race.

Planning:

  • Make your race dummy the night before. Find a spot on the floor or on a chair where you can lay out your outfit. Include everything you are going to use; clothing, shoes, hair accessories, watch, music, race bib, fuel, body glide, hydration, and anything else you might need. This will make race morning less stressful.

  • Make sure all of your devices are charged and ready to go.

  • A week before the marathon, make a race plan. Whether you just want to have fun or if you have a time goal in mind. Having a plan will make things go smoother during the race. If you are trying to reach a time goal, look to see if the race has pacers and decide if you want to run with the pacers.

Logistics:

  • Go over the parking maps the night before so you know where to park. Make sure you account for traffic. So allow yourself plenty of time to park in the morning.

  • Know which corral you are supposed to start in and make sure you know the exact time it closes.

  • Allow for extra time to use the port-a-potties and drop off your check bag (if you choose to do this).

  • Don’t freak out if you do not get much sleep the night before a race. This is common and you will be okay.

During the race:

  • The start of the race will be exciting. Do not go too fast in the beginning. They will be playing music, people will cheering you on, and you will be running with a lot of other runners. Try not to get caught up in all of the excitement.

  • Go over the course map and know where all of the aid stations are.

  • It is okay to walk all of the aid stations. If you choose to run through the aid stations, pinch the top of your cup so you can drink it on the move.

After the race:

  • Take time to enjoy your finish line. Be proud of yourself, you just ran a marathon.

  • If you are listening to music during the race, mute it or take it off before you reach the finish line. You will want to hear all of the people cheering for you. Sometimes you can even hear the announcer calling your name as you cross the finish line.

  • If you have someone waiting for you at the finish line, give them a bag with socks, shoes, a change of clothes, some nutrition, and anything else you might want right after the race. You can also put these things in your check bag if you are alone.

Irving Marathon