Marathon Words of Wisdom?

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and enjoy!

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast

Don't go out too fast.
Don't go out too fast.
Don't set a strict time goal.

Yep. Number one bit of advice: Don't go out too fast. Those last 6 miles are going to hurt, prepare yourself for that. Save up that energy for when you really need it. If you are not still feeling strong and energized by mile 14, you are probably going too fast.

Also, make sure you fuel every 45 minutes or so. Don't wait until you feel like you need it...by then it's probably too late.

Most importantly, as others have said, relax and enjoy. Resist the urge to worry about a time goal. Your first marathon will always be your most memorable because of the accomplishment. You can worry about pace on your next one. Good luck!!

Don't go out to fast.... or too slow. I was constantly passing people and worried that I was starting too fast and that I'd hit a wall early. Turns out my first 3 miles were slower than the following 10.

Supporters are usually handing out food and it's fine to take some but don't touch anything bready. There was a 10ish year old kid who had doughnut holes and no one was taking them from him (for good reason) and I felt bad so I took one. I couldn't chew the thing because my mouth was dry and nearly ended up choking on it. Stick to things like sliced bananas sections.

Also actually stop at the water stations. Shaving the extra 3 seconds it takes to drink the water isn't worth choking over. I learned that after my first water station.

rybo wrote: »

Don't go out too fast.
Don't go out too fast.
Don't set a strict time goal.

Agreed, and I probably would have gone crazy had I not bought something with to much on from time to time.....and jolly ranchers.

Agreeing with all of the above, especially the "nothing new" advice. Good luck next week!

Nothing new on race day
Don't go out too fast (if they have pace teams at your race, it might be worth it to start with one running about your pace, so you don't get overwhelmed with adrenaline)
Also, if there is a race expo, go on Friday instead of Saturday (if the race is Sunday). There's a lot of walking around and sampling of fitness "food" and whatnot. Best to not shock your system with it the day before the race.


Oh, and 'carb loading' the night before is a mistake (and too late). If you want to up your carbs, do it 2-3 days before, then eat normally the day before, avoiding fatty, greasy things. You don't want last night's pasta sitting like a brick in your stomach when the gun goes off.