Preparation makes a difference.
A marathon is 26.2 miles. How do you prepare for a marathon? If you haven’t run in a while, I suggest that you pick a race that’s a few months out. That will give you time to train and get in shape. Even if you run every day, you’ll still need to train.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
A big part of training is eating right. Consume plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, eggs, rice, anything else with carbs, and protein. Cut out soda and anything that’s greasy. Potassium-rich fruits, like bananas, will help because eating them will help prevent cramps. And make sure you imbibe sports drinks, like Gatorade, for electrolytes.
Now for the mental part of marathon running. It’s important–especially for newcomers–to be clear about what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you running for the competition? To improve your time to the finish line? To enjoy a day with friends? Seasoned runners don’t have that problem. For them, it’s all about improving your time.
My advice for a beginning runner is to start running at the pace that’s comfortable to you. When you’re comfortable, then run a bit faster. Repeat the process. It’s also helpful if you run on hills. Doing that will strengthen your lower body and lung-capacity.
Map-study helps, too. Go to the race website and look at the course map. It’s even better if you can watch a virtual tour of the race. If possible, drive the course to get a feel for inclines, declines, and flat areas. Studying the course will help you develop a strategy for the race.
Now that you’re prepared, go for it!
