They've paid their entry fee and maybe squeezed in some training. But they didn't consider how they were going to run the race. Instead, they just showed up to the start line hoping for a good result.
Running a successful marathon takes knowledge, planning and execution—and a little courage. When you train intelligently and develop and execute a solid race plan, you'll achieve your potential and run a great race that you can be proud of. Here are 10 strategies and tips for your next marathon.
1. Run More
1 of 11
Training for a marathon isn't just about one long run each week; it's about the total amount of running you do. You don't have to run more than 100 miles per week like the best marathon runners in the world. But you still have to run more than you probably are.
Many novice runners don't run enough miles during the week to support the long run on the weekend. You don't want to run four or five miles for two or three days during the week and then shock your legs with a 15-mile run on Sunday. You may be able to get away with that once or twice, but do that week after week and you're setting yourself up to get hurt. In addition to your long run, do a mid-week, medium-long run that's about 65 to 75 percent of the length (or duration) of your long run.
Search for a
Race2. Do Long Tempo Runs
2 of 11
Long tempo runs (and their sister workout, marathon-pace runs) are among the most important workouts of your marathon preparation. Too many runners, especially beginners training for their first marathon, focus too much on the long run. If nothing else, complement your long easy run with a long tempo run that's faster than your marathon race pace. It will go a long way (pun intended) toward preparing you for the marathon, both physically and mentally. Don't neglect the power of the long tempo, which trains you for sustained, faster-paced aerobic running and hardens you mentally to hold a solid aerobic pace for a long time.
Search for a
Race3. Work with a Knowledgeable Coach
3 of 11
A knowledgeable coach is the greatest asset you can have as a runner. A coach designs a training program for you, monitors what you're doing, and motivates and inspires you to do things that you never thought possible. You see much better results with a coach than by training on your own.
Search for a
Race4. Pace Yourself
4 of 11
Proper pacing is paramount for the marathon. If you start at a pace that's beyond your capability, it will come back to haunt you later in the race, as you run out of precious fuel.
Too many runners run a strong first half only to crash and burn in the second half, when they're forced to walk and even stop to stretch and hydrate. The most physiologically efficient way to run a marathon is to run the first and second halves in the same time (or run the second half slightly faster than the first), with as little fluctuation in pace as possible throughout the race.
Search for a
Race5. Consume Carbs During the Race
5 of 11
During the marathon, your muscles use carbohydrate at a faster rate than you can replenish blood glucose. The trick is to try to delay running out of glucose for as long as possible. How you do it is a little bit science and a little bit art. Here are some guidelines:
* Consume carbohydrate that's quickly digestible and easy on your stomach, like gels, gummy bears and liquids. * Begin ingesting carbohydrate about 30 minutes before you start to feel fatigued, about an hour or so after starting the race, so you can absorb it into your blood and use it for energy. Ingest about 100 to 120 calories (25 to 30 grams) of carbohydrate every 20 to 30 minutes or so to maintain blood glucose levels. * Instead of consuming a whole energy gel packet at once, which is a lot for your stomach to process, consume half at a time and chase it with water to speed digestion. You want to create a steady stream of carbohydrate coming into your blood to delay fatigue.
Search for a
Race6. Water
6 of 11
Dehydration can become a big problem in the marathon. You lose water by sweating much faster than you can replace it by drinking, so you want to do whatever you can to delay dehydration. Your performance begins to decline with just a 2 to 3 percent loss of body weight from fluid loss. As you lose water, your cooling mechanism also starts to fail, increasing your body temperature. If you want to run a better marathon, you must stay properly hydrated. Running slows the absorption of fluid from your stomach, so begin drinking early so the fluid is available later. Drink fluids with sodium because it helps you retain water. As a general rule, try to consume 5 to 6 ounces every two miles. If it's hot or you tend to sweat heavily, drink more.
Search for a
Race7. Don't Do Anything New in the Race
7 of 11
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on race day is to wear brand new shoes. Even if your new shoes are the same type of shoes you've been wearing, don't wear them in the race.
Don't wear anything new in the marathon and don't eat anything different the morning of the race. Practice wearing your clothes and gear well before the race on your long runs and practice different pre-race meals so you get comfortable with everything.
Search for a
Race8. Eat Breakfast Before the Race
8 of 11
Unlike shorter races, the marathon challenges your fuel reserves. When you wake up on race morning, your blood glucose is low because it's been about 9 to 12 hours since you've eaten. Because carbohydrate is your muscles' primary fuel when you run, you want to go to the starting line as full of carbohydrate as possible. One to two hours before the race, eat 300 to 400 calories of easily digestible carbohydrate and protein such as a nutrition bar, eggs and toast with jelly. Avoid fiber and fat.
Search for a
Race9. Divide
9 of 11
Thinking of running 26.2 miles all at once can be overwhelming. Divide the race into smaller, more manageable segments, like each mile or each 5K, and focus on one segment at a time. If you're familiar with the marathon course, you can divide the race into sections based on landmarks, neighborhoods or areas of the course. Don't let your head get ahead of you. You can't do anything about mile 24 of a marathon when you're at mile 3. Focus on getting to a certain checkpoint and don't think beyond that checkpoint until you've reached it.
Search for a
Race10. Be Positive and Confident
10 of 11
One of the keys to running a marathon successfully, no matter what level of runner you are, is to focus on the task and execute your race plan. It's easy to let outside factors beyond your control or self-imposed pressures become distractions. Don't let your mind wander during a race. Instead, focus on your performance to the exclusion of everything else to perform at your highest level. Remain positive when your race doesn't go quite as planned.
At the starting line and when you're in the middle of the race, remove all negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Search for a
Race
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article