Right Ways to run a Marathon

Long distance and marathon runners generally put a huge amount of time and effort into being able to put one foot in front of the other for the 10 to 42 kilometer distances it takes to complete various types of marathons. Even with all the effort, some people still fail to accomplish their goal. Here are some things you can do to increase your chances of getting through a marathon successfully and without injury.

It is a good idea to see a doctor for a complete check up before attempting the task of training for a marathon. If you are older or are worried about your cardiac health, a doctor can order an exercise stress test, which can tell you if your heart can handle the stressors of running long distances.

Choose the distance you are intending to run and plan your training sessions accordingly. You can choose to run a marathon as short as 10 kilometers or you can go all out and choose to run a marathon that is as long as 42 kilometers or about 26 miles.

Don’t forget that training for a marathon can’t be done in a very short period of time. Begin your training session for your marathon as early as 4 to 5 months ahead of the date of the marathon. Your physical training is what is going to get you through the event so you need to give your body time to adjust to the rigors of running.

Understand the importance of an excellent diet plan necessary for success in a marathon. Your performance depends on eating a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, minerals and, of course, plenty of water.

On the day of the marathon, you need to dress lightly. While it may be cool or even cold in the morning when the marathon starts, the temperature will only continue to rise as the day progresses. If you overdress for the morning hours, it is too likely that you will become overheated and even dehydrated as it begins to warm up.

You need to select the right running shoe for you. Ideally, your shoe will be specifically for running, should fit you extremely well and should have already been broken in with several kilometers of previous running. That way, you’ll know exactly whether or not the shoe is right for you.

You need to pace yourself during the marathon. If you expend all your energy stores by trying to get ahead of the next person or fail to take time to slow your speed for periods of time, you will tire out too easily and will fail at the task of finishing the run.