Saturday, April 22, 2017

How to Train for and Run a Marathon: A Non-Exhaustive Shortlist

In training:
  1. Stick to the training schedule.
  2. Run at times of day similar to the scheduled race time to get used to what might happen on race day e.g. waking up early enough, eating breakfast, prepping gear, getting dressed, stretching and warming up, etc.
  3. Run in all kinds of weather - because you never know what you're gonna get on race day.
    I was here... and here, and here...
  4. Run on the same surface as the race to condition your body for similar impact e.g. concrete or trails versus treadmills.
  5. Pay attention to your diet (nutrition is important).
  6. Stay hydrated.
  7. Get enough sleep.
  8. Find someone who knows more than you about running and ask them lots of questions about everything you don't know - but know that not everything works the same or as well for everyone. 
  9. Find a good registered massage therapist and visit him/her as often as you can.
  10. Find a good physiotherapist and consult him/her as needed.
  11. Give yourself lots of encouragement every day.
  12. Surround yourself with people who support your goals. 
  13. Ignore the "Negative Nancies" and "Downer Dougs".
  14. Don't be a douchebag runner to other runners. This includes not being a "Negative Nancy" or "Downer Doug."
Specifically for race day:
  1. Get enough sleep leading up to the race (tip: even a good night's sleep two nights before versus the night before the race can be enough - just try and stay well rested as race day approaches).
  2. Don't try or do anything new e.g. with clothing (potential chafing), gear (unexpected issues with weight, function), breakfast, gels or other nutrition (avoiding digestive issues), etc.
  3. Get to the start line with time to spare.
  4. Enjoy the race! You've earned it.
Journal entry 

Today's run: 23 km and technically, the last LSD in the training schedule. Yay for tapering! Weather: overcast and partly sunny this morning, which is why I deliberately went out early (note: it's raining now but at least I'm watching the bad weather from my couch instead of being in it). Feeling: glad to have missed the rain! And looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

...and also here.

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