Running skills
PRE-RACE
Train your body and mind by sticking to your running plan, practising fuelling and tapering properly
The most obvious place to start with how to run a marathon is with the training. At this stage of the year, with race day creeping up on us, the majority of the hard work has probably already been done, but there are a few things to remember in the closing weeks leading up to the race.
Setting goals
If you’ve never run a marathon before, you might be wondering how on earth you’re going to choose a time goal, as you don’t have a previous time to beat. If you’ve run a half marathon recently, then your finish time from that race is a good place to start. It’s not simply a case of doubling the time though. It’s likely that you’ll end up running your marathon a little slower than double your half marathon time.
It’s worth setting yourself three separate goals; an A, Band Cgoal. For example, you might have aCGoal of finishing, aBGoal of running the whole way without walking and an AGoal of running it in a certain time. The purpose of having three goals on race day is that if you’re not able to hit the top AGoal, you still have something to aim for in chasing your Band CGoals and a reason to keep pushing yourself to the finish line. course and get some to practise with. If you’re able to work well with the nutrition provided on the course then you won’t need to carry so much with you on race day, but if you can’t practise with the ones that will be on the route, you should think about taking your own to the race. This might mean investing in some kit to help carry it, such as a hydration vest, a running belt or shorts with lots of pockets.