Your First Marathon: Seven Things to Remember

Running in a marathon and successfully completing the twenty-six mile, three hundred eighty-five yard distance is something you’ll never forget. It is both exhilarating, challenging and with it brings a huge sense of accomplishment. Once you-ve decided to run in a marathon you must turn your attention to seven things that will make your marathon experience fun and safe.

The hardest thing about running in a marathon isn-t the marathon itself, but the training it takes to complete it. The first thing you must remember is to select a training plan that prepares you for a period of approximately 18 weeks leading up to the event. There are a number of plans to select from and can be easily researched on the internet. Generally these plans call for running four days per week, two days of rest and some cross training exercise such as yoga, Pilates or other floor exercises. The practice running starts out with fewer miles to complete at first with more miles added as the marathon draws near.

The second thing to remember is that you must have broken in a pair of running shoes during your practice runs well in advance of the event. Your shoes must absolutely provide comfort with no chance of incurring injuries such as blisters while you run in the marathon. Third, prior to starting the marathon, make sure you are fully hydrated with water. Fourth, while in the marathon, continue to hydrate once every two miles. Fifth, every 6 miles drink a sports drink to make up for any energy loss. Sixth, pace yourself with even strides and remember to develop a breathing pattern that matches your stride. Seventh; focus on the present and not on the finish. Have fun, enjoy the sights and sounds as you cross the finish line.