Marathon Tips For Running Your First Marathon

Understanding how to actually run a marathon is essential to any first timer and any marathon tips you can use that will help should be followed to the letter, but test them first.

Without following the right advice, you run the risk of injury and falling short of achieving your goals. Here are my top 5 tips to help see you through race day.

Marathon Tip #1 

Don’t set off too fast. The buzz of excitement when you are lining up for the start of the race is usually electric and this can lead to a massive adrenalin burst which will lead you to running the first mile or two much faster than you would usually run them.. this can be a big blunder as it will take its toll on your energy stores especially in the latter stages of the race.

Marathon Tip #2 

Always, always, always thoroughly wear in a new pair of running shoes well in advance of your first marathon.. This should be done weeks before. New shoes can take many miles to get comfortable in and really mould to shape of your feet.

Marathon Tip #3 

Avoid eating anything at all in the two hours prior to the race because you will struggle to digest it properly. When you run, blood is diverted to the working muscles away from your stomach and digestive system which is then unable to break food down. This leads to nausea and stomach cramping which will severely jeopardise your race.

Marathon Tip #4 

Drink plenty of water. Not gallons of it in one go, just regular sips to take care of normal hydration levels.

Marathon Tip #5 

Don’t be competitive. It is very frustrating to see someone you think is out of shape, older or not as fit as you pass you by, but don’t try to keep up with them as this is a dangerous practice. They will almost certainly run at a pace that is right for them, you have your own pace. A marathon isn’t the time to let pride take over your judgement or common sense.

If you've always wanted to run a marathon, ‘Marathon Training For Beginners’ will teach you everything you need to know, an entertaining and easy to use marathon training schedule for beginners that want to learn how to successfully run a marathon in the shortest potential time. Click here for more details.