Preparing for a marathon is no small feat. If you've signed up for an autumn event, chances are you're already knee-deep in your training regimen. However, training encompasses far more than simply selecting a race and following a training guide. It requires attention to various critical aspects including the right training plan, selecting the optimal gear, ensuring your footwear is right for the course, and developing a strategy to stay properly fueled throughout the run. And let's be real: no matter how thoroughly you plan and prepare, you'll undoubtedly encounter some missteps along the way. Experience often teaches you the lessons that theory cannot. What can you do? Take advantage of the insights shared by seasoned marathoners, particularly those who’ve been through the same struggles as you. Here’s a collection of what Runner’s World editors wish they had known before tackling their first marathons.
Understanding the Timing of Your Race
Picking the right month to run your marathon can significantly affect your experience. Reflecting on my own first marathon—an impulsive choice made in July while I was enjoying summer vacation in Maine—I realized just how haphazard that decision was. Race day greeted me with a relentless heatwave that sent temperatures soaring above 90 degrees. The start was even delayed due to the scorching conditions. As I lumbered through the first few miles, surrounded by a thick blanket of fog and the palpable desperation of fellow runners, I knew I had made a rookie mistake. That harrowing day became a cautionary tale—one that transformed subsequent marathon experiences into a well-structured, enjoyable affair. - Jennifer Acker, RW Contributor
The Importance of Long Runs
If you're thinking about skipping those extensive training sessions for shorter races, you might get away with it. After all, your body can sometimes handle a half-marathon with less preparedness. But don’t kid yourself about the consequences when it comes to the full 26.2 miles. In the lead-up to my first marathon, I only completed two runs longer than 10 miles. As you might guess, the end result was a painful struggle to cross that finish line. Hard lessons learned led me back to that starting line five years later with far more discipline—and a win in my age group. - Jeff Dengate, Director of Product Testing
Mastering the Tapering Phase
The taper before race day is not just about resting; it’s a potent phase that requires care. I distinctly remember feeling under the weather just before my Chicago Marathon, caught off guard by how easily illness can strike during this crucial time. Thought I was just nervous? Wrong. Instead, I battled a debilitating sickness that robbed me of my performance potential. If I could redo that experience, I would prioritize hydration and immunity-boosting strategies to safeguard my health. Next time will be different! - Amy Wolff, RW Contributor
Trust Your Training
Feeling nervous at the start of a marathon is a universal experience, but it can become paralyzing on race day. During my first marathon in New York, I felt that anxiety to an extreme. I had prepped extensively and yet found myself pacing around in circles, trying to calm my nerves. In hindsight, the truth is simple: your training does prepare you. Rather than dwell on fear, focus on what you’ve accomplished. The cheers from the crowd can be exhilarating, turning every grueling mile into a celebration of your hard work. - Mallory Creveling, Deputy Editor of Health & Fitness
Nutrition is Non-Negotiable
My first marathon experience was marred by a poor nutrition strategy. I barely carried any fuel, relying on family to provide me with last-minute snacks along the route. As a result, I faltered. Over several subsequent marathons, I fine-tuned my approach, determining what fuels worked best for me and when to consume them. Trust me—going in adequately prepared saves you both pain and embarrassment. - Aly Ellis, Director of Hype Content
Stay Hydrated
Running a marathon doesn’t just tap into your endurance; it’s a hydration test too. I learned this the hard way when I noticed my fingers swollen like sausages. That’s when I understood the importance of consistent hydration throughout my race—not just relying on the aid stations. Supplementing water with electrolytes became part of my strategy, which made all the difference. - Amanda Furrer, Test Editor
Strategize Your Cheer Squad’s Locations
The crowd energy during marathons is unbeatable, but it can’t fix everything. I made the mistake of only relying on my family to meet me at the finish line, missing out on impactful support throughout the course. Next time, I’ll have my cheerleaders strategically positioned along the way because the right support can elevate your performance when it starts to feel tough. - Leah Flickinger, Executive Features Director
