5 Essential Things Every Marathon Runner in Training Should Remember

The most famous race of them all – London Marathon – is now just 57 days (*as of Friday 28th February) away believe it or not!

Whether you’re hitting the streets of the capital, running elsewhere in the UK or travelling in and around Europe to race soon, remember these tips to ensure that you get through to the start line fit and firing!

Also, if you can, make a mental note to check back onto the Profeet website and our social channels, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter regularly as we’re publishing more and more exciting content in the build-up to the running events season, which includes plenty of interesting stuff about the prestigious Threshold Trail Series.

Onwards and upwards, runners! Right, here we go…

1: Accept that things don’t always go to plan

However, things don’t always go to script. For example, injury can disrupt momentum while other factors influence training such as work and your personal life.

Learn to accept that just occasionally, there’s an odd spanner in the works. Just remember, it’s ok if that happens; try to put it to one side and shine with positivity to get your preparation back on track.

2: Experiment and make your mistakes early doors

From food choices pre-run and drink consumption during your run, test out what works for you in training.

Gels, energy boosters and compression wear are classic run-specific items which may or may not sit well with you, so find out the answer as soon as you can.

Essentially, the goal should be to try and perfect your routine in training; allowing you to feel comfortable with your formula on race day.

Avoid making any drastic changes leading up to your event, such as altering your footwear.
Practice makes perfect after all.

3: Like bricks and mortar, keep those foundations strong

Every runner needs a strong base [and core] in which to build from. Indeed, frequent sessions in the gym are important for every runner.

From strength and conditioning exercises such as planks and squats to an easy cross-trainer workout on the days that you aren’t necessarily running, a healthy mix of drills in the gym can prove to be really beneficial and decrease your risk of injury.

4: Recover well, run well

Sitting side-by-side with strength and conditioning work, is modes of recovery. Failure to recover properly from runs or sessions can heighten the chances of picking up a niggle, which could keep you stuck on the sidelines.

Try, where possible, after every run to warm down properly with a series of static stretching and some foam rolling to alleviate muscle tightness. Indeed, this will help bring blood flow back to key muscle groups.

Other techniques, such as ice baths – for example, can help reduce inflammation and lactic acid, but aren’t for the faint-hearted.

A recovery run is also an option to deploy during a light session and is ideal to keep your body ticking over and moving.

These types of sessions should probably be the easiest of your week, aside from crucial rest days.

5: Resting shouldn’t be underestimated

The temptation during any block of training is to push and push, and work harder and harder.

A commitment to better your personal best and simply get faster is brilliant to have but, at the same time, it’s important to listen to your body and factor in adequate rest time – especially after hard sessions.

Putting your feet up is often the best course of action if your body hints that it needs a bit of downtime.

Contributed by our specialist writer: Stuart Appleby