I am running my first marathon! I signed up to run the iconic New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 3rd 2019. I am training in 7 weeks! Crazy, I know! Usually the recommended first time marathon training plans are 16 weeks! I don’t have much time to train so I’ve been extra smart about my training plan and have done a lot of research to figure out how to safely prepare my body for the big day. All in all, as a first time marathon runner I have a few marathon training tips that I’d like to share about how I am getting ready for race day!
If you’re into running and researched yourself you will notice everyone has their own suggestions, and sometimes they overlap with each other. I have read REI’s How to Train for a Marathon guide.
Here are a few other useful 8 week training programs that I’ve referenced and are helpful. It’s good to cross reference information so you can form your own unique training program that works best for you. I hope you enjoy these marathon training tips!
8 Week Training Programs
–Training Plan: 8 Weeks to a Fall Marathon Finish Line
–Got A Solid Base? Consider This 8-Week Marathon Training Plan
–8-Week Philadelphia Marathon Training Plan
–Eight Week Marathon Training Plan and Beyond
My Training Tips
After reading up on different articles I came up with my own unique training plan and decided to purchase specific products to help me along my journey.
I created an excel calendar on Google Sheets to help schedule my weeks and also track my training. Using Google Sheets allows me to reference it anywhere and even on the go. I can look at in on my phone, at home or the office. It’s really important to have it accessible because you’re constantly training. You have to be somewhat dedicated and devoted to your schedule and strict about training. There are no shortcut to putting the time in and getting those runs in!
Lucky for me I have a running buddy! We use the Nike Run Club App to GPS track our runs, and we then share them with each other to help motivate one another. It also helps keep us accountable and inspires one another to run each day. The App tracks calories burned, distance, average pace, etc! I know Strava is another popular App that helps track runs and allows you to share them with friends, it’s known as a social fitness network!
I definitely suggest seeing if you know anyone else running the marathon to talk to about it, and help motivate each other. It definitely helps to talk about it with others. You talk about your challenges, how you’re feeling, body aches, different strategies for your diet, etc. the list goes on. Trust me you’ll want to talk about it with anyone who understands.
If you don’t personally know anyone you can easily find community groups on Facebook like Marathon Maniacs or even running clubs from different companies like Lululemon, Nike, Adidas and more! They have a ton of events on Eventbrite! I participated in a group run called The Last 10, where we ran the last 10 miles of the route. There were water stations throughout the course and a ton of other runners out there which was very motivating. It helped me keep my pace.
Supplements
I’m using Maurten gels and energy drink packs as my supplements for long runs. A lot of people I know use GU, but I did some research and decided to go with the Maurten because of their ingredients. Maurten is also the preferred brand for a lot of professional athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge! I got the Water Bottle 500 ml, Gel 100 Box, Drink Mix 160 Box, and Drink Mix 320 box and love all the products.
Recovery
Recovery is huge part of my training, especially because I’m training in only 7 weeks! So I regularly do cryotherapy at Cryofuel to help expedite muscle recover. My sessions help reduce inflammation, increase circulation, energy and help overall muscle recovery. It really does wonders after long runs. I actually have their monthly membership which allows me to go unlimited times within the month (once a day). They also allow me 3 guest passes, so I can bring guests! AKA my running budy! Also, it includes 3 cryofacials or cryo-injuries which focuses on a targeted muscle area. When I can’t go to Cryofuel I ice at home.
I also regularly foam roll in addition to going to yoga and stretching in my apartment when I can. I’m always sure to do dynamic stretching before runs, and long stretches after runs. I even take Epsom salt baths to help relax my sore muscles the night before a long run.
Gear
What you wear is pretty important. On my long runs which usually happen to be on the weekends because I have more time I test out my marathon outfits. So far I’m running with running shorts from Athleta, a running belt from REI, Brooks Running sneakers, and an Under Armour 1/4 zip jacket. The running belt has been crucial and so helpful to carry my things. It’s good to have pockets to carry your keys, phone, money, ID, ear-pods, aquaphor, or whatever else you may need on race day.
SHOP MY OUTFIT
Lastly
Hope you enjoyed my marathon training tips as a first time marathon runner! I will have to let you guys know how my first experience goes later on! Of course I am no expert so I’m super open to hearing your tips as well! Please leave a comment below!
Also, if you like my outfit in the photos they are from Bandier one of my favorite active-wear apparel stores. To learn more about them check out my post What’s Good With Bandier Activewear?
Photos by: Julie Papikova
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