When getting ready for your first marathon or if you’ve done a few, there are a few steps to take to prepare for them that are the same each time. It is necessary to practice and train no matter how in shape you are or how many you have run, as each marathon is different terrain and even with only a short time off they can be difficult. Gather the needed supplies and gear to be as ready as can be and make a plan for water and food the day of the marathon. The most important consideration is to consider the safety and security of yourself and the route you will need to take.
Training
Both stamina and muscle strength deteriorate when you are not maintaining them through consistent exercise and when preparing for a marathon specifically it is important to begin with shorter distances and train your mind and body to go further each time. When possible, invest in personal training in Carnegie, or find a friend or someone else who is also training can help you to keep focused and motivated, making it easier to train and providing better results. It may be helpful to run in the area the marathon will be and to become familiar with the terrain.
Training should involve not only running but also improving the health of the body with water intake and healthy foods, and increasing lung capacity. Running and other cardio exercises can help to improve the efficiency of the breathing process and help the lungs to prepare for a marathon, and breathwork is another way to care for the lungs and improve lunch capacity.
Gear
There are basic gear requirements for doing a marathon including good running shoes, comfortable clothing that will help keep you dry and regulate temperature. Weather is unpredictable so it can be difficult to choose appropriate clothing in advance, so layers offer a way to prepare for different temperatures. Shoes should offer good support and be not worn down, but also not brand new as running shoes can be stiff, uncomfortable, and cause blisters at first. Socks are an important part of running gear that is often overlooked. They should be moisture-wicking where possible to keep feet dry, which will reduce the rubbing of shoes, and they can help prevent blisters and other foot injuries. A water bottle may be good to have, but many marathons that are prepared by large organizations may have water stops and even snacks for an energy boost along the way. If completing your own marathon take a light water bottle to avoid dehydration and high-energy snacks.
Plan Ahead
Well-planned marathons have a higher rate of success, so ensure that you are running an organized marathon that provides water and snacks as well as a set path and health and safety personnel available. They will have medical stations for small injuries and emergency responders on-site, but when completing your own it is necessary to have a phone in the event of an emergency and people who will be checking on you at set points throughout to ensure that you are arriving safely along the way.
