So you’ve decided to run a marathon, congratulations! But before you hit the pavement, be sure to take a few minutes and make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for this significant milestone. To help you shape up, we’ve put together a few tips to keep in mind before you get on the track. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, it’s beneficial to review these key points to help you reach your maximum potential!
Know Your Potential
If you’re training on your own, it’s important you be able to honestly assess your ability and potential. If you haven’t run a mile since high school, maybe consider running a half marathon to get a feel for marathon running before training for a full marathon. Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure you get approval from your physician. The most important thing is safety, and while you should be pushing yourself, keep your expectations realistic.
Start Training Early
26.2 miles is a long run, and to complete the entire marathon comfortably and safely, you should start training as soon as possible. Most training schedules for beginners start at 20 weeks, but they require that you be able to run 6 miles with ease before starting. So the sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be!
Keep a Training Log
And use it! Track your progress daily so you can accurately measure how much you should be increasing your distance each week. Keeping a log is also helpful for those days when you get discouraged, being able to see just how far you’ve grown as a runner is a great motivator!
Do Some Research
By reading up on nutrition and hydration, you should be able to find a good diet that works well with your individual needs.
Always Pay Attention
Listen to your body, never try to push yourself more than its safe. Even a small injury can derail your progress if not treated properly.
With these tips in mind, we hope you have a successful and fulfilling experience! For more exercise and health-focused tips, make sure to check out some of our other informative blogs!