26.2 The Marathon Training Website
 

 

Like us on Facebook

Search  The 26.2 Website

 

Sections

26.2 Home Page


The '26.2' Marathon Training Program


Maximize Your Energy


  Forefoot Running - Avoiding Problems


Cycling - Fitness - Running

Triathlon Training - Walking


Upcoming Marathons

from marathonguide.com


Featured Marathons

Info' On Upcoming  Marathons


Best Training Strategy To Improve  Performance


Is Marathon Running Bad For You?


The 26.2 eBook from Amazon

only $4.99

Download Now!


*** Review Of The '100 Day Training Program'


Five Things To Avoid During Training


Marathon Training Diet


Marathon Training for Beginners


A Half Marathon Training Schedule


What is Natural Running


Getting Back In Running Shape


How To Avoid Cramps During The Marathon


Avoiding Injuries


Running    Fundamentals:

 Improve Your Performance with Running Stretches


Our Top Ten Marathon Tips


Performance Improvement

Ways to improve your overall marathon time


Marathon Training FAQ


Video - Tips On Choosing The Best Running Shoe


**** The '26.2' Marathon Survey Results ****


Previous Articles

Training - The Critical Weeks

This is the key part of your training program


Should You Eat Before A Run?


Knee Pain Prevention


What's The Best Marathon Training Program?


Finding Time To Do Your Marathon Training


Vary Your Training

 & run a better marathon


Marathon Recovery


Setting Your Marathon Time Goal


Getting Started

Thoughts on Deciding to Run a Marathon


Conquer Those Hills!

How to overcome the hill challenges


Marathon Countdown

Tips on getting ready for the big event!


Marathon Success Secrets


How To Improve Your Training


Keep on Track With The Right Schedule


Diet Pointers


Runners' Diet & Nutrition


Training Tips For Beginners


Hot Weather Running


Be A Marathon Mentalist

-Sports Psychology


Marathon Training - Recovery Days


 Improve your running


 

 

 

'26.2' - The Marathon Training Website:

The '26.2' Top Ten Marathon Tips

 

These tips focus on the days just before the marathon as well as race day itself.

I’m assuming that you are in good health with no recent injuries. If this is not the case you might seriously consider withdrawing from the marathon, or at least running at a much slower pace than you intended initially.

Our Top Tips: -

1. Keep hydrated:
Not just during the race; try drinking the proverbial 8 cups of water per day for the entire week before the marathon. This way your body gets used to the extra fluid.

2. Check your shoes:
They should be in good condition, and it’s almost too late now for a new pair. Don’t try and use new shoes for running the marathon. You should have broken them in with at least one long run.
 

 

3. Eat your big pasta meal two days before the race:
Don’t try and carbo’ (over)load the night before the race. You could end up with an upset stomach the next morning. Instead have a fairly modest meal – sure enjoy a pasta dish, just don’t overdo it. In fact I recommend not doing anything too much out of the normal for the whole week before the race.

4. Relax the day before:
Try taking things real easy. Don’t spend hours on your feet at the pre-race expo – you’ll feel it the next day. A hot bath with Epsom salts can be really relaxing and beneficial.

5. Pace yourself correctly:
This is probably the most important factor that determines your performance.

 

Take into account the weather, the course terrain and how you feel. I firmly believe it’s better to start out a little slower than your goal pace. Adjust your pace depending on how you feel, if you’re struggling at the halfway point you’d better pull back.

6. If the weather is bad – adjust your finish time:
Bad weather is one of the main things that can really impact your run. It’s better to accept this fact and aim for a slightly slower time rather than run out of energy and hit the wall at mile 20. Who knows, you might have a great run in spite of the weather, in which case you can pick up the pace in the latter stages of the race.

7. Be careful with power gels and energy replacement products:
Don’t take energy gels or even Gatorade if you haven’t done so during training. Your stomach can become upset very easily as you get into the later miles. Hopefully you will have experimented with different energy drinks and so forth during your training runs. I have found a simple slice or two of orange around mile 21 has helped me a lot.

8. Mentally divide the race into sections:
26.2 miles is a very long way! I always divide the race up into different segments. 10K, 10 miles, halfway, and 20 miles. Then as your reach one goal you aim for the next. This gives you something to focus on besides the finish line.

9. Try walking:
Brief walking breaks periodically will give your legs a change from the constant running stride. This will help the muscles avoid tightening up too much in the later stages. You won’t add a whole lot to your finish time either!

10. Walk around after the marathon:
You probably won’t feel like doing this but it will help you gradually cool down. As a result you’ll recover faster in the days following the race.
 

 

Have a great race!

How Do You Run A Successful Marathon?

Find Out How In Our Top-Rated Marathon Training eBook from Kindle (can be read on any device)

This informative eBook takes you step by step through all the key principles of successful marathon training. Great for beginners and experienced runners alike!

               ► View it here

"Loved it. Pumped me up about my upcoming first marathon and made me feel at ease about different questions and concerns..." - reader review

 


 

If you like our marathon website...

Tell a friend!

 

We value your privacy - this email is not retained!


Google


 

  Copyright © 2006 -2013 Ipcor.com All Rights Reserved.                                Home                    Contact Us                    About              Marathon Training