5 Tips for your First Marathon

So, you've decided to run a marathon. Congratulations! The experience will be as exciting as it is challenging. Your first marathon will test the absolute limits of your physical and mental strength, but I’m sure you know all that and are ready for it! And don’t worry; if you stay focused and train smart, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to help you finish your first marathon standing and smiling.

Tip #1 Follow a training schedule

Before you start seriously training, get yourself a good training schedule to follow. This will help to condition your body and increase stamina gradually so you can minimize the risk of injury. You will need several months of training before you’re ready to tackle 26.2 miles for the first time, so it’s important you start off on the right foot. There are plenty of online training schedules to choose from, but the one that worked best for me was in Hal Higdon’s book Marathon. When you review the schedule, copy the subscribed miles onto your calendar up until race day so you can plan your daily schedule around your running.

Tip#2 Buy quality running shoes

Get rid of the tennis shoes you’re running in and invest in a good pair of running shoes! Good running shoes are paramount for effective training and a strong finish in the marathon. Go to a store where they size and analyze the shape of your feet. Try on several different pair before looking at the price tag. Use these same pair of shoes throughout your training and on race day.

Tip#3 Buy comfortable running gear

It’s important to have some good running gear. By gear I mean shirts, shorts, and spandex. Choose clothing that supports you and is lightweight. Also, pick clothing that combines cotton with a synthetic material like nylon. Go for close fitting apparel that will keep you dry, and stretches with your body. You’re not looking to make a fashion statement either; the purpose of good running apparel is to allow you to run more comfortably.

Tip#4 Listen to your body

You don’t half to follow your training schedule to the letter, tailor it according to your ability. Listen to your body. When you need to stop, stop! There’s no sense in breaking yourself during the first few months of training. Pay close attention to your breathing, heart rate, perspiration, and all other aches and pains. If you listen to your body’s quiet signals while running, you won’t need to hear it scream in pain later on.

Tip#5 Have fun!

Though it’s going to hurt, running shouldn’t feel like torture. Remind yourself why you decided to run a marathon in the first place and keep that inspiration with you. I’ve found one of the best motivators is to sign up for a race early. This way you won’t be as quick to put off a run because your tired or it’s raining. Keep runs interesting by changing routes or switching to trails. There is a way to make every run a lot of fun!

*Bonus Tip* Race with what you’ve trained with

You don’t want to do anything new on race day that you haven’t practiced with, right down to breakfast. New meals on race day are not good. Reason being, you don't know how your body will react. There should be no surprises! If you’ve trained with water, don’t drink gatorade on race day. If you’ve always run with a water belt, run with one on race day. Same shoes, same clothes, same breakfast, same everything!

Your first marathon is truly an incredible accomplishment. You will find that the sport is a lifestyle filled with solid goals, fitness, and good health. Marathoners fit a lot of miles into their lives. And I believe you will find, after completing your first marathon that you have a big boost in positive thinking and the ability to accomplish all the goals you set for yourself throughout your life. I wish you the best in your quest to become a marathoner. Keep running!