4 tips for First Timers

Hello marathoners..

Today, while browsing the internet, I came across this article and find it very useful, especially if you are a first timer. Here are four tips to run your first marathon.

Tips extracted from www.active.com, specifically on this link.

I hope you'll find this beneficial.

1. Don't Try Anything New

Especially on race day and race week. Every long run has been a dress rehearsal for the big day and by now you should know what to eat, how much to drink and what you're going to wear. The time to make changes and adjustments is during the season. 

2. Review Your Log

Take a few minutes and reflect on all the training sessions you did this season. You are well prepared and race week is all about resting and fueling. The training you are doing this week is to merely keep your legs loose rather than training for the race. Your sessions should be short and light in intensity as you want to be well-rested for race day.

3. Go With What the Day Brings

It could be warm or cold, rainy or windy or it could be perfect weather. Don't let the things you can't control affect your day. If you come to challenging parts of the race, think your way through. Just as life rolls through hard and easy days, so will the race. 

4. Have a Mental Plan for Race Day
Training is 90 percent physical and 10 percent mental. Race day is the exact opposite. Your body is trained, rested and ready to go. Your mind is in charge on race day. Keep your mind actively engaged in the race and think your way through the course. Review the course map and break it up into smaller, more digestible pieces. 26.2 is less daunting if you think in two to three mile increments. Like life, you'll roll through a series of emotions (highs and lows) on race day. Enjoy the highs, and prepare for the lows. 

So, are you ready? Good Luck!

(photo courtesy of Mr Google)