How To Run In A Marathon

By: RTodd

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Learn how to run in a marathon so that you can prepare yourself properly and be ready for one of the most physically challenging races you can compete in. You will need to train hard, eat right, and prepare mentally as well in order to do such a difficult race. However, it will be very rewarding and an incredible experience.

  1. Running in a marathon will require lots of training. If you have never trained for one before, then you will need to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Start off running slowly over shorter distances and work your way up to further distances. You do not want to sustain an injury while you are training, so you will need to work up gradually. When you are training you rarely need to run more than thirteen miles, unless it is a long day in which you can go between eighteen and 23 miles.
  2. To run in a marathon you will need to prepare your body for several days before the race. Make sure you eat plenty of healthy foods and overload your body with carbohydrates the day before the race. If you prepare yourself the right way, you will have much more energy during the race and improve your chances of finishing. You will also need plenty of sleep the nights before the race, so do your best to go to bed early and stay in bed late.
  3. While you are running in a marathon you must pace yourself. You should set a slow and steady pace and maintain it for the entire race. At first it will feel too slow and you will want to run faster, but you must keep up the pace. Towards the middle and end of the race it will feel too fast but you need to do your best to keep up the same pace. Keeping your body in a rhythm is one of the best ways to run a marathon.
  4. Running in a marathon is very taxing, and you will need to keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself. During the race there will be times when you want to quit, slow down, or just change your pace. However, you will need to work through these difficulties mentally in order to make it through the race.
Posted on: Aug. 25, 2010