And its not hard to understand why.
Aside from the actual race, there are months of training that typically lead up to it.
Runners will experiment with fuel,test shoesandgear, and very likely train at least once in inclement weather.
David Madison
Theyll face setbackswhether itsan injuryor just really bad chafing.
That being said, you have to respect the distance.
(Theres a reason people get hooked.)
Here are the best ways to make your first marathon your best race yet.
Before You Sign Up…
If youve never run a race before, consider starting with something, well, shorter.
Its recommended that you get some things under your belt first.
A half [marathon] would be great.
Think: a 5K during the third week of your training, or a 10K during the eighth week.
Another way to figure out if marathoning is right for you?
Join a group with like-minded people.
You don’t want to join a competitive group because then you’ll be feeling a little insecure.
But there’s tons of groups all over that people can join just to get started.
This is a big one.
So consider your time, Desir says.
For instance, running a 9:00-minute pace per mile means that a 20-mile training run will take three hours.
On that note, its important to get your support system together ahead of time.
Honerkamp says if youre a parent, your support system serves two purposes: First, theyre your cheerleader.
Even if youre not a parent, the time commitment means significant sacrifice.
It really comes down to what you want to do, what’s calling to you.
I think it’s really important to consider, why do I want to do this?
And do I really want to do this?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to run a marathon for the medal.
Diboun also spoke about the intrinsic rewards many people gain from endurance events.
While Youre Training….
Whether youre going with afree Hal Higdon plan(something this writer did for her first marathon!
I really love Strava for my training log, Desir says.
What did I eat?
It allows you to take a deeper look and understand the conditions you oughta be at your best.
Heres the thing: Most of your training runs should feel relatively easy.
Remember, youre not training for a sprint.
Youre going for endurance.
Increasing your volume and intensity simultaneously can be a recipe for disaster sometimes, Diboun says.
Diboun says that in addition to your running, you gotta focus onrecovery,cross-training, and self-care.
(Remember how we talked about that time commitment?)
Its just the difference between your fastest running and your slowest running, Honerkamp says of pace separation.
Typically that means either they’re running too fast every day or running too easy every day.
And no, we dont necessarily mean a time-related one.
And I really like that because it takes the pressure off your first one, Diboun says.
So maybe you say your number one goal is to finish.
Honerkamp also suggested a straightforward, but crucial, C goal: Get to the starting line healthy.
Youve already achieved your C goal!
Make it your goal to run your fastest, hardest, and smartest on the day of the marathon.
On Race Day…
Repeat after us: Nothing new on race day.
Take the risks when there’s nothing at stake, Desir says.
You don’t want anything to compromise that experience.
Don’t wear anything you haven’t worn before on race day.
Furthermore, Mashia emphasizes that you should avoid wearing anything that you havent already done a long run in.
Running 26.2 miles is totally different than running two miles.
Keeping things consistent on race day also has an added bonus of keeping you mentally where you better be.
At some point, all of our experts pointed out, marathons get hard.
So what gets you through?
So much about running is your inner dialogue and self-talk, Diboun says.
You get to do this.
Our lives are so good that we have to pay money to do this.
And you are doing something that only a very small percentage of people on this planet do.
Honerkamp also noted that focusing on the positive can have powerful benefits.
There’s a term that my coach used to use, The hay is in the barn.
The work is done.
And if youre really struggling toward the end?
And of course, we highly recommend you put together a killer playlist.
and let warm thoughts of that person carry you to the finish line.
Its so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the starting linethe crowds!
the sheer adrenaline!this is what youve been waiting for!
But that energy can be dangerously deceptive.
When the race starts, you’re going to have a lot of nerves, Desir says.
So you want to go slower than you think.
You won’t think that it’s a big deal until you get to mile 22.
Mashia offered similar advice.
What people need to do is take their time, he says.
You’re not running to compete against anyone else, you run for you.
And you run your own race.
Don’t look at other people because that can mess with your mental state.
This is also where a pacing group can come in handy.
We live in this society now where its so easy to get judgmental and hard on yourself.
And everybody’s situation is different, Diboun says.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Do what’s best for yourself.
Additional reporting by Hannah Pasternak.
