Running seems fun, Right? And that’s why you signed up for your first race.
You were sensible enough to buy sneakers and started practice running a week or two before the race and that’s when you see stars in the daylight. First 5K gifted you bristles on your feet along with asthma attacks (optional) and few other injuries, later you had to move with sore legs for at least a week. This resulted in either your poor performance in the race or worse, you weren’t even able to show up in the race.
If you are a beginner and want a better experience and fond memories of your first marathon race you need to start practicing and training months ago. Just remember to start with baby steps.
Here are few tips for beginners:
Select footwear:
Buy a new pair of shoes and socks. Be a bit more realistic if you are a novice in doing so and for advice from a runner or workers at shoe stores. Choose one that’s comfortable enough for running and large enough just in case of swelling. Shoes should be lightweight with a strong grip. Test them by running at-least 10 miles. If they don’t leave you with bristles and sore feet than that’s the lucky pair which will accompany you to your first marathon.
Be patient:
Participating for the first time means you are high on motivation which is perfectly fine but doesn’t let that motivation turn into over enthusiasm. Process workout and training gradually. You are not an athlete already by signing up for a marathon. Your body will respond to work out in a certain way. So, you need to make positive changes in your diet, sleep patterns and training.
Listen to your body:
You are training for your sake and your body must suffer, so when it asks for some rest or treatment DO NOT ignore that. Throughout the training, regularly visit sports therapist (some hidden injuries would cost you big time). In a dialogue between your body and training, listen to your body first.
Workout schedule:
You know the distance of a marathon race. You started off running on the first day and try to cover the same distance. The outcome of your tremendous effort will be epic. You’ll not be able to come home on your own two feet along with sore body for a couple of days.
Increase your mileage gradually. Start with running for 10 miles and then increase it every other day with cutback week once a month.
Stay strong till the end:
Make a list of all the do’s and don’ts about your exercise, diet, running, sleep patterns, shoes, clothes etc. and stick to it till you achieve your goal. You can’t afford trying new things in the race. Make yourself familiar with everything that is necessary for a marathon. Thake guides from former marathon runners and trainers and then stick to your techniques and style.
Prepare yourself for the weather:
Weather can be a hindrance if you are traveling to another state for the marathon. Prepare yourself beforehand for all such conditions.
Remember that your dream is big and with big achievements comes big hindrances, don’t get perplexed by it because if you can dream big you can overcome hindrances too.