Have you recently taken up running as a form of exercise? If you thoroughly enjoy it, you may be tempted to take your new hobby to the next level by entering and completing your first marathon. Keep in mind that preparing for this feat is no joke—there is a lot of training involved and you will likely have to make a few sacrifices along the way. Having said that, you can be certain that the results and the achievement will be well worth the effort! Here’s how to get started in your preparations.
Train, train, train
Most experts recommend that you run at least four days a week when preparing for your first marathon. Along with four days of running, you should also include at least one day of strength training.
When training on your run days, you should alternate each day based on distance and speed. For example, run a longer distance on Monday, followed by a shorter distance at a faster speed on Wednesday, and back to a longer distance on Thursday.
Rest those legs before the race
While you will need to continue your running training leading up to the race, it is a good idea to skip any additional leg training for at least two weeks before the big day. Also, be sure to taper off the distance that you are running a few weeks before the marathon is set to take place. In short, if you were running close to 20 miles on your long-distance days, you should cut that amount in half. That way, you will ensure that come marathon day, your legs will be strong, yet well-rested enough to take on the challenge.
Stay hydrated and eat well
Running can be demanding on your body and can take its toll quickly if you are not taking proper care of yourself. So, eat a well-balanced diet packed with protein and healthy carbohydrates and, most importantly, ensure that you are drinking enough fluids.
IV therapy can be a worthwhile solution if you are struggling to drink enough water. This is when a qualified nurse or doctor comes to your home to administer saline and other vitamins intravenously. IV therapy is a must if you happen to fall ill leading up to race day. Flu recovery Los Angeles IV therapy packages are extremely popular at the moment—and for good reason!
Get the right shoes
The right pair of running shoes could mean the difference between failure and success when it comes to running a marathon. Spend that extra money—you can rest assured that the level of comfort and support that a quality pair of running shoes can provide will be worth every cent!
Check up on your form
A poor posture or incorrect running stance can negatively impact your chances of completing the marathon for which you have so painstakingly trained. This is why so many runners opt to enlist the services of a professional running coach to make doubly certain that they are running correctly.
You’ve got this. Good luck!
