Whether you’ve got numerous marathons under your belt or you’ve never run further than the end of the road when you’re about to miss your bus, a longer race is definitely achievable. Whatever your background, with a bit of grit and determination (and a good playlist!) , you can definitely get across that finish line!
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of how important training is and how you need to be prepared for the potential pain that lies ahead, but I will remind you of some of the smaller things that may have a bigger impact on your run that you may realise…
Having the right trainers is the biggest must! Yes they may set you back a few pounds but it’ll be more than worth it in the long run (No pun intended!). If you really want to make sure you’re buying the right ones, head to your local sports shop and ask for a gait analysis- using a gait machine and treadmill they will get an indication of your foot structure and running style which enables them to advise you on the correct type of trainer to buy.
What you want to wear will depend on what you find comfortable and what time of year you’re running. Whether you want to be in shorts and t-shirt or leggings and a jumper, just ensure they’re a good quality and a breathable material which will stop the dreaded chafing!
When it comes to fueling your run, you've got umpteen options out there. Some people choose gels whilst some favour more natural items such as fruit and nuts. Experiment with different products in your training runs and don’t try anything new on the day- the last thing you need on race day is an upset stomach!
It's not always easy to keep track of your runs and it's good to have a record of distance and timings of each run. The best way to archive this is to invest in a running app. The majority of the apps out there are free and they’re also a great way to see improvements in your runs. If you’re stuck on where to run, many of them will have suggestions of local routes for you to follow too.
Although you’re preparing for a running event, you need to make sure you vary the activities you’re doing for your training. Yes, doing cardio work will help your stamina to keep running, but if you’re legs and core aren’t strong enough, the cardio alone won’t see you through. Incorporating swimming or a workout such as the Les Mills GRIT or Bodybalance in to your plan will not only help strengthen your core and help reduce the risk of sustaining any injuries before the big day, but will also make training a bit more diverse so you won’t get bored doing the same run day in and day out!
Sometimes the mental pressure is more intense than the physical challenge itself and 'maranoia' can strike. Preparing your mind for running all those miles gives you a fair amount of thinking time and the mental struggle to complete a run makes up for a big chunk of the challenge! Come up with a short, easy to remember mantra that you can repeat in your head to keep away from any negative thoughts. Whether it’s ‘mind over mile’, ‘the strong get stronger’ or simply ‘I will finish!’ this will help keep your experience a positive one, even in the harder times.
Lastly, make sure enjoy the run. Whether you’ve set yourself a goal time to complete it in or just want to finish, make sure you cross the line with a smile on your face and spend the rest of the day filled with pride that you’ve done it!
One of the best bits of advice I read before I completed my first marathon was this from author and marathon runner, Michael McEwan:
‘Don’t let it become bigger than it is. It is easy to let the significance of events and occasions amplify in your own mind, sometimes to such an extent that they become intimidating. That’s counter-productive. Instead, never ever forget that the basic principle of completing a marathon is putting one foot in front of the other between two pre- defined points. Left, right, left, right, as fast or as slow as you like. One foot and then the other, over and over until it’s done. That’s as tough as it needs to be’.
It was this that made me realise that the seemingly impossible challenge that lay ahead, may actually be achievable after all. Turns out, it was for me and it is for you.
