As my marathon journey is coming to a close, I’ve been reflecting a lot about what’s transpired over the last 17 weeks. There have been ups and downs — thankfully mostly ups — and the learning curve has been substantial. What I’ve learned and discovered during training will be trumped by the actual 26.2 mile journey, I’m sure. But I would love to recount my experience with you — or your friend — if you may be considering, or currently training for, a marathon. And since I’ve been running for 17 weeks, I’ll give you 17 things I’ve learned during marathon training…
Here are my words of infinite wisdom. Enjoy. 😉
17 Things I’ve Learned During Marathon Training
1. You will run a lot of miles.
That’s right. You’re going to be running like it’s going out of style. Get used to it. After 17 weeks of training, Running’s my middle name.
2. Your legs will ache.
So you’ve run a few 5Ks. Maybe a 10K here or there. Perhaps even several half marathons. But let me be clear — when you run 20 miles for the first time — heck, even the second or third time — your legs ache in a way that is indescribable and horrific. In truth, I feel like I have no idea what’s in store for me for the full. Only time will tell. But believe me when I say your legs will ache.
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| You wouldn’t know it from this pic, but my legs were in major pain when this was taken. |
3. Try to find a companion for the long runs.
The first thing that I considered when picking my first marathon was who would be available to run long with me, how often, and when. 9 miles alone isn’t that awful. 10 isn’t so bad. 20 would just be too much to bear. So when push came to shove and my friend really wanted CLE to be her first marathon, I gave in because training with a buddy is better than training alone. Especially for the long miles when you’d rather quit and sit down and call for a ride.
4. Find — or create — a solid support system.
Make sure you have a non-running support system, too. If you’re a parent, you’d better be sure to check in with your spouse before committing to a marathon training plan. Thankfully for me it wasn’t too much of a time conflict because I kept the same training schedule I’ve had for the last several years. But for the long weekend runs, you need someone on your team. Plus, it’s nice to know someone (or some people) besides your running crew is rooting for you.
5. When it comes to nutrition, listen to your body.
Take this with a grain of salt, but when it comes to macronutrients and figuring out exactly what I need to be eating and when — I frankly just don’t have time for it. I wish I did. But I’m a stay-at-home-mom of two very active little people. The limited free time I do have I’m either running, blogging, or working on social media. So how do I stay healthy and well-nourished? Simple. I listen to my body. You know how sometimes you have cravings for say… cheese? Well one of two things — either you need the calcium or you need the protein. Or sometimes both! Or maybe you’ve got a hankering for a mean salad. Perhaps you’re low on iron or calcium. My point is, if you listen to your body, eat healthy, plant-based, whole foods, you’re good to go. No need going crazy with the macros and micros. Just be sure to recognize that you’re going to be burning a heck of a lot of calories, and to refuel with nourishing foods and beverages. Skip the cake and Pepsi.
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| One of my favorite post-run snacks. Yum! |
6. Have more than one pair of shoes in the rotation.
I highly recommend and could not stress enough, how important it is to have several pairs of shoes in rotation for any amount of running, but particularly marathon training. Number 1, if you have several in rotation, it will alleviate the need for a panicked trip to the running store for a new pair if the original pair starts showing signs of wear. And Number 2, if you rotate shoes you’ll diminish the opportunity for injuries to arise. Now, I’m a poor example of this because I am in fact injured, but I blame myself for making a foolish error in my training. It had nothing to do with my footwear.
7. Invest in Body Glide, a foam roller, and kinesiology tape.
I picked up some glide last year and have used it diligently except for a few times on the treadmill this winter. I learned my lesson. Glide even when you think you don’t have to! I was one of those runners who didn’t own a foam roller, however, until my dear friend Noemi sent me one as a gift. So sweet of her. I was thrilled to receive the package, and I’m even more thrilled now that I’m using it to rehab my injury. And kinesiology tape is always good to have on hand. You never know…
8. Expect to cry.
Expect to cry tears of sadness over a bad run, or an injury. But also expect to shed tears of joy over a new personal distance record, or a phenomenal mid-training cycle race. Tears will be shed. It’s all good.
9. Recognize that you will have down days. Recognize that you will have up days.
Every runner experiences down days. And every prospective marathoner may risk experiencing burnout. Recognize that this will happen so you’re better equipped to move on and keep running.
Likewise, take note that you will have some pretty kick-ass runs or cross training sessions that will make you feel like Rocky battling the Russian. Don’t let the good days go to your head though — there’s still a lot of training left to do.
10. Long and slow is the name of the game.
Remember that one time that you ran a 7:53 5K? This is not that day. To run a marathon, you will run long and slow. Don’t fret over a slower-than-you’d-prefer pace. All of your runs will be slower than that. It’s how we roll, and it’s how our bodies adapt to the added distance.
11. Beware the black toenail.
It’s true. Toenails get bruised and turn black. It could happen to you. Originally I thought I was developing fungus around my toes and under my nails due to the increased moisture around my feet and socks because of my increased running lengths. It’s not the first time I’ve seen this happen and an acquaintance of mine had to have laser toenail fungus removal to address his issue.
12. Epsom salts. Not just for the old folks, anymore!
Do yourself a favor. If and when you decide to take the plunge and register for a marathon, hit up your local CVS, Bed, Bath & Beyond, or even Whole Foods, and pick up a big batch of Epsom salts. About an hour before bed on the same day as a long run, take a nice, warm Epsom salt bath. Relax and enjoy.
13. Two words: ice bath.
The counterpart to the Epsom salt bath is the ice bath. Nowhere near as relaxing, the ice bath is definitely warranted in some situations. Not all, but definitely some. Don’t be scared. Just do it.
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| It was so cold I couldn’t even submerge myself. But my piggies sure did enjoy this ice bath! |
14. One word: breakfast.
One of my favorite things about marathon training was the post long run breakfasts my friends and I enjoyed together. We did the breakfast thing most often after our brutally cold, awful, snowy runs, and it was a great way to debrief and refuel. I highly recommend the post long run breakfast with your training partner(s).
15. Pick your season appropriately.
I warn you about this for a few reasons. 1. Not everyone likes to run in the heat. 2. Not everyone likes to run in the cold. 3. Whichever season you train in, you’ll likely be racing in the opposite weather. For example… the majority of my training was in multiple layers during single digit snowstorms. I ran through feet — yes, feet — of snow. And now that the race is upon us, the forecast is calling for mid-80s. I don’t mind running in the heat but I know a lot of people who do. Therefore I warn, pick your race season appropriately.
16. Don’t try to run a marathon if you’re not mentally prepared for the marathon.
The miles, the tears, the shoes, the blisters, the black toenails, the hills, the aching legs… need I go on? If you’re not mentally ready for the marathon, there is no way in hell you will be mentally prepared for the training. The marathon is 26.2 miles in one day. The training is 18 weeks. If you’re not ready for it, you’re not gonna make it. Be prepared. And if you’re not ready to train and run a marathon, no harm, no foul. And if you are, “half” steam ahead! (Remember: long and slow.)
17. “This above all: to thine own self be true…”
Whichever way you decide to train for a marathon — with a coach, using an online training tool, or using your own training — whatever you do, be true to you. If you need a rest day when training calls for a 5-miler, take a rest day. If you don’t feel like strength training on a day you’re supposed to strength train, skip it. Your body knows what to do and what you need. Listen to it. Respect it. Love it.
Now comes the fun part. Tapping in to my own inner strength and knowing that I can — and will — run 26.2 miles. I’m scared, I’m excited, and I’m nervous. But I know I’ve put in the training and I know I’ve got the miles under my belt. The work is done and now it’s time for the fun.
No rest for the weary!
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s one piece of advice you’d add to this list?
Do you prefer warm or cold weather running?
