By the time you decide to join a marathon, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is to set and plan a training schedule that will fit your daily routine and of course, your lifestyle.
Evidently, an experienced runner does not really spend much time to prepare anymore since it’s already a part of their routine. But for starters, you might want to stretch those muscles and joints before you join a marathon.
Furthermore, there are a few more things to consider when it’s your first time joining a marathon.
For experienced runners who are conscious of their health, a monthly visit to their doctors is not a new thing. But if you’re new to the game and want to keep track of your vital stats, this could be the right time to go and pay your doctor a visit. Taking into account that this is the first marathon you’ll be having in your life, the preparation period could take days, even weeks for your body to get in tuned and conditioned.
A lot of beginner marathoners get often discouraged from running and end up giving up their careers during their preparation period due the testimonials of experienced runners.
However, the key to a successful preparation does not only focus on your physical stats but it also prepares your emotional and mental state.
To further aid you during your training period and to mend previous negative mentality, here are six helpful marathon tips to guide you during your preparation state.
Set-up a detailed plan of your training schedule. When you plot your training schedule, you have to acknowledge your body’s limitations. You don’t want to faint in the middle of the track, right? It is recommended to consult your physician before you training program starts. Additionally, It is best to start as early as possible with your training schedule. If you want to your first marathon to be successful, you have got to have self-discipline.
While you work on your training program, always remember to take it slowly and start small. The common cause of experienced runner’s injury is taking their training activities too soon and too fast. Keep in mind that the purpose of having a training schedule is to plan your activities and not to mentally and physically pressure you and your body on your first marathon.
Stay hydrated as possible and always drink your water. During your preparation stage, always include your hydration plan in your routine. Your body needs to stay hydrated to replace all the sweat you have released. Station your water and aid kit into places where it can be accessible to you. Stick to the status quo especially on the day of your marathon. One effective way many runners practice during their preparation stage is they carry their water bottles through a hydration pack or belt, or you can hold it with your hands.
Make sure you fit your feet into the right size of shoes. You need to gear up your feet with right kind of shoes that can sustain the kilometers of your chosen marathon. As an amateur runner, you need to find shoes that feels comfortable not just when you wear them but also when you start to run with it.
Make sure to test your shoes on several lapses to see if it won’t hurt your feet. If it does, then it is not the right pair for you. Test as many pairs as you can and don’t rush it or you’ll end up getting the wrong pair.
You must work on your nutritional dietary plan. Along with your training schedule is a plan for your nutritional diet. Every single lap you take is part of your nutritional activity. Experienced runners drink energy sports drink and boost their calory intake during their preparation period. You can start this method as early as now.
Start testing out products that fits your appetite and gives you the kind of energy that you need. Be mindful of your diet as well. Take extra note on how much you have eaten and track its nutritional value to ensure that you are properly fueled for the upcoming marathon.
You can’t skip this step, nor can you expect it do be done overnight. It is a trial and error stage and it’s also the best way to find out what suits you. So if you feel like complaining about it, think again.
Practice to run the actual length of the marathon. As the day of the marathon gets closer, you need to practice the actual race length to put your stamina, nutritional diet, running gear, and workout routine to the test. Being able to reach even an extra mile or two more than the actual length of the marathon is already a plus! List down all the things you think you should try or change. Only minor changes are acceptable so you can avoid unwanted things to happen on your big day.
Additionally, you might want to check the type of course you will be taking on the actual race and do a weather check as well. It is better to be prepared and anticipate all the possible things that could occur on that day than to be unprepared.
Be in your best form before the day of the marathon. After weeks or months of preparing for your big day, take a day or two to rest your body and get it conditioned for the race. A healthy dietary meal with lots of fruits, plenty of water, and a good sleep are the things you should considering doing on those days.
Moreover, optimism is a choice and it can inspire you. But optimism alone won’t make you a winner. You’ve got to have determination and motivation to get through it. Build your energy as you start to race to prepare your body on hills and steeps.
Remember, as you take on a harder course during the race, tell yourself that you’re going to beat the marathon and it’s not going to be the other way around.
More importantly, don’t forget that you reap what you sow and nothing beats a man who is determined to get what he wants. And whenever you feel like quitting or losing hope and optimism, remember the reason why you started and keep telling yourself about your goals. Now, get yourself up because if you won’t start now, then you’re probably stuck as to where you are right now.
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