A popular item on many people’s bucket lists is to run a marathon. It is an incredible accomplishment, but it takes a lot of preparation and training to make the dream a reality. If you are thinking about running a marathon, you need to do the proper research to make sure that you train safely. To help get you started, here is a look at five of the best tips you can use to prepare yourself to run a marathon.
1. Start with a Half Marathon
According to Train for a Marathon, “One of the best ways to get your wet before you jump into the deep end is to run a half marathon. When you have successfully completed a half marathon, it will give you a lot of confidence that you can finish the whole thing. Your goal should be to run the half marathon a little faster than your pace for a full marathon.” It is a good idea to schedule your preparation half marathon a month before your marathon.
2. Get the Right Shoes
It is critical that you have the right running shoes for both your training and the marathon itself. The key to finding the right pair of running shoes is to go to a store with a big selection. When you are there, you can try on several pairs until you find one that has the right fit. Make sure that you spend some time running in them while you try them. You should never wear a brand-new pair of running shoes for a marathon. You should always have run at least 20 or 30 miles in your race shoes so that they are broken in. For more advice for selecting shoes for a marathon, here are some tips from legendary marathon runner Bill Rodgers.
3. Learn How to Fuel While Running
When you run a marathon, you will perform much better if you can provide your body with energy while you are running. This isn’t easy for some people. Some runners will feel nauseated when they first try to eat energy gels while they are running. To get over this, make sure to practice fueling yourself with sports drinks and energy gels during your long training runs. This will ensure you are ready to use them on the day of the marathon.
4. Find the Right Race
When you are running your first marathon, it is important that you find one that is right for you. You need to decide what kind of conditions will make you most comfortable. If you don’t like crowds, look for a marathon in a smaller location. If you don’t like hills, you obviously want to look for a flat course. Weather is another important factor. While weather is unpredictable, you should try to find a marathon that is in a place that typically has a mild climate during the time of year that the race is held.
5. Have a Recovery Plan
After the race, you will be both exhilarated and exhausted. It is important that you have a good recovery plan. This starts by having a plan to meet up with your friends and family in a predesignated spot after the race. You need to refuel your body as soon as possible after the race with a nice meal. You also should plan to soak your legs in an ice bath as soon as you can. This ice bath will make a world of difference in reducing your soreness in the days after the race. Keep in mind that you may need a few days to recover from your marathon. Give yourself some time before you schedule anything strenuous after the race.
