5 simple tips when training to run a marathon

Even for an experienced runner, training for a marathon race is not at all easy since it requires an insane amount of mental and physical fitness that not everyone possesses. But don’t be scared. Although training for a marathon is hard, it will become a lot easier if you take these 5 simple, yet helpful, tips into consideration.

1. Start early

If you are new to running a marathon or haven’t been in a gym lately, it is advisable that you start training as early as 6 months prior to the actual race. This way, you will have more than enough time to get all the necessary things you need done without overexerting yourself.

2. Tone things down before the race

If you have been training yourself in a marathon style for 4-6 months, it is essential that you tone things down 2 weeks before the race by either doing the minimal training or simply not training at all so that your muscles can have some time to rest.

3. Eat well

What you eat will not only contribute to how you look, but also to how well you perform in the race as well. For your body to have enough energy to survive the race well, you will need a lot of carbs and protein. The examples of what you should eat are pasta, baked potatoes, cheese, chicken, sunflower seeds...you get the idea.

4. Practice pacing

Most runners find out that they tend to get super excited when they are in a race, especially in a long one like a marathon. One result of this excitement is that they will start off a little too strongly and become extremely exhausted before they can reach the finish line. To prevent this from happening, you should practice pacing until your legs can remember it. This way, no matter how excited you are, you will never burn yourself out too early in the race, ever.

5. Walk if you want

Even if it is a race, it does not mean you have to push yourself by continuing to run from the starting point to the finish line. In fact, a combination of running and walking through the entire race actually yields better results than simply keep on running until you reach the finish line!

I wish you all happy running!