If so, then it is time to start reading some marathon running tips!
The 26.2 miles of a marathon is not something you tackle with ease.
Many people think it is crazy to run a marathon, but as a runner you probably love the challenge of this difficult race.
It takes a lot to train for a marathon, including plenty of dedication, preparation and work.
All marathon runners are looking for those good marathon training tips that will help through the preparation process, even those who have marathon experience.
Marathon Running Tip #1: Follow a Solid Marathon Program
100 Day Marathon Plan by Marius Bakken is the top training book out there right now.
This book is written by a former Olympic athlete who has worked with top runners in Italy and Kenya. In the book he gives you the top training tips from these world class athletes and makes them easy for you to use.
He has a slightly different approach than many other trainers. He starts you on 5k or 10k training and builds it up towards your ultimate goal, the marathon. And he does it all in 100 days.
Marathon Running Tip #2: Have Realistic Expectations
It is very important that you go over your skills as a runner before you start training for your marathon.
You need to think about how long you have been running and what distances you have run. Consider what you have already accomplished and how that compares to the marathon.
You have to be realistic about running a marathon and set goals based on your skills and abilities. A new runner should probably start training a year before the actual marathon if they want to be a success.
Running a marathon is not easy. Training will be hard. It requires running long distances on a regular basis. If you approach your training correctly then you can build up your strength and fitness and do amazing things.
But at the same time, you need to be realistic about how good you really are and what you can handle, so you can prevent running injuries and don't run yourself into the ground.
Set goals that you actually can reach. You should be tracking your time and miles run. You need to know what you can do, so you can set a realistic goal.
Marathon Running Tip #3: Tackle Longer Runs
You have to master longer runs if you ever want to be able to tackle the full 26.2 miles of a marathon.
You should be working hard at doing 5 or 6 runs that are 20 miles long or up to a maximum of 3 hours long.
If you don't so these longer runs then you will really regret it once you start the actual marathon. Well, not right at the start. Somewhere in between mile 17-26 usually... :)
What will happen?
Once you hit that 20 mile marker of the race, and maybe earlier for some people, you will feel it if you are not prepared.
It is the moment many marathoners refer to as hitting the wall. Your body starts to tell you that you are done as it moves from burning carbohydrates into burning fat.
Burning fat is a lot harder for your body, it takes away a lot of energy from the actual running, making you feel like you have hit that wall.
By running these long training runs you will get your body's fuel burning process more prepared and help it to be more efficient.
The 100 Day Marathon Plan book mentioned earlier teaches you some great techniques and has a training program that will really help you with the preparation of your long runs.
You will get great information about how to make a long run have less of an impact on your body.
Marathon Running Tip #4: Runs of Mid to Long Lengths
Typical runners do a long run on the weekend, but I recommend that you add to this a mid sized run during the middle of the week.
So, you end up with a 16-20 mile run on the weekend with a 13-16 mile run during the week. This will go a long way towards helping you build stamina for longer runs.
Marathon Running Tip #5: Consistency is Key
You have to maintain consistency with your training.
You need to run consistently so you become aware of your body, your skills and you can be confident once you start the marathon.
It's okay when you get really tired during marathon running training and can't complete a run. You might have to walk for a bit, or you might have to cut it short.
That may happen occassionally. You may have to miss a run or two at some point.
That's all okay and should not have too much of an impact. But try to be consistent and stick to your running program as well as possible.
Marathon Running Tip #6: Let Your Body Have a Rest
Training for a marathon will wear you out. It is very important to have a taper period towards the end where you pull back and go a little easy on your body.
This will let you get fresh for the marathon. You want to do your last long run about 3 weeks before the marathon.
In the last 3 weeks you should seriously cut back on your mileage.
If you don't then you will pay on marathon day because you will feel worn out and not have the energy that you need.
Marathon Running Tip #7: Watch What You Eat
Eating right is important during marathon training.
You are fueling your body and without the right food you won't be able to get your body to perform as you want it to. You need to bulk up on carbs, mainly complex carbs.
Also cut the fat, but allow yourself to get some fat because it will be needed. Make sure to drink a lot of water, milk and other healthy drinks.
The week before the race you really want to increase carb intake and fluid intake. The night before, eat a healthy meal, but avoid overeating.
Marathon Running Tip #8: Practice Eating When You Run
As you are running a marathon you will need to eat to replenish your energy. This is not always easy to do, so practice eating while you run.
This will help you learn the technique of eating and drinking while running (not so easy!). And you will learn what foods are best for you to eat while on the run.
You should try out foods like bananas or sports bars. These give you energy and are usually easy to eat while running. Don't forget about drinks.
Sports drinks can be very beneficial during a run. Don't risk it and try a new food or drink on race day.
Stick with what you know you can handle and what works. You don't want to have to pullout due to stomach cramps.
Marathon Running Tip #9: Have Faith in Yourself
This is probably the top marathon running tip. You have to have faith in yourself, believe that you can do it.
Running a marathon is not just physical. It is also mental. You have to have a positive mental outlook.
This is especially important when you hit the point in the race where you physically feel you can't go on.
Your mind may be the only thing that can push you through. Your legs may ache, your lungs burn and your energy be gone, but if you know in your mind that you can do it then you will push on.
You have to believe that you can finish the race. If you know you can accomplish this great feat then you will accomplish it.
It is my hope these tips will help you.
For those that are serious about marathon running, I urge you to get a training book.
An incredibly good choice is the book mentioned a few times before, 100 Day Marathon Plan by Olympian Marius Bakken.
Want more running gear advice?
Simply subscribe to my newsletter or to my site blog and you are ensured of keeping up-to-date with all the Best Running Gear!
