As a 26.2-mile race, a marathon is no easy feat. After all, it takes a lot of perseverance to build up the fitness to be able to compete alongside some of the most elite athletes. In fact, the world record for the fastest marathon is held by Eliud Kipchoge, who completed the race in 2 hours, 1 minutes and 39 seconds in Berlin 2018. Read on as the Bookitzone team go over some top tips that every runner training for their first marathon should know…
Slow and Steady
Nobody ever ran a marathon safely without training for months on end. After all, the 42km race is incredibly tough on the body, even for an experienced athlete. As a result, it is important to take your training slow and steady in order to ensure that you don’t push yourself too far and end up with an injury that will take weeks to heal. Experts recommend that you take marathon training step by step and gradually increase the distance until you can complete a full 26.2-mile run.
No Pain, No Gain
Any marathon runner will tell you that training and completing the big race will be painful. After all, you can’t complete such a feat without your body taking a beating. From blisters to chafing, some marathon runners are known to completely lose their big toe nails! Luckily, there are many steps that can be taken in order to prevent these injuries and deal with them when they occur. Adhesive bandages, blister plasters, petroleum jelly and sunscreen will become your best friend during marathon training!
Use Smartphone Apps
As a first-time marathon runner, you may not know where to start. After all, 26.2 miles can be daunting when you still can’t complete a 5k! Luckily, technology provides a wide range of apps that can be used in order to guide you on your training journey safely. In fact, these apps gradually increase the distance for you each week so that you are constantly challenging yourself.
There is no better feeling than crossing the finish line after your very first marathon. In fact, many marathon runners break down in tears due the sheer relief that all of their hard work paid off. Our running events are the perfect way to train for your first marathon and challenge yourself in preparation for what will be your toughest race yet. Get in contact with a member of the Bookit Zone team to find out more information today!