Running a marathon is hard so you have to be prepared ahead of time. It takes dedication, training, and the willingness to put your body and mind through rigorous physical and mental activity. Guess what? Training for and running marathons especially for the first time can lead to injuries. So you may end up spending time injured and find yourself in need of orthopedic specialists in Portland or experts in your own community.
Again, you need to have the fire and burning desire to train for a marathon and be willing to risk personal injury to complete this grueling personal challenge.
With that said, we’d like to share four tips for training for a marathon with you today. Whether this is your first marathon or your tenth shot at personal glory, these tips can help you get ready for such a challenging physical accomplishment and help you see this journey through to the end.
How To Train For A Marathon For Beginners?Â
Tip #1: Avoid Pasta in Your Diet
Believe it or not, so many people fail to realize how wise it is to eat healthy when training for a marathon. Most of us are under the false impression that it’s best to load up on pasta because of the extra carbohydrates. While this certainly isn’t the worst thing on race day, it’s definitely not a good idea prior to the big event.
When running a marathon, you are better off trying to keep your weight down because being thinner will be easier on your joints, knees, feet, and your body can handle such a pounding.
So, make sure you eat a healthy diet and get plenty of fuel – carbohydrate packed drinks is a good option – but avoid pasta at all costs, at least until race day.
Read this: 3 Tips for Working Toward a Sports Scholarship
Tip #2: Get Ample Amount of Sleep While Training and the Night Before the Race
Most of us tend to think of sleep as a necessary evil, but we fail to realize the true health benefits of this important practice. So, you have to create a healthy sleep routine so you’re properly rested for race day and for all of the difficult training days that lie ahead.
Now, at first, it may seem really hard to change your sleep patterns. But it’s possible to use nootropics to improve sleep health, which is a good idea if you’re having a difficult time shifting to longer and more restful nights of sleep.
Some of the top nootropic sleep aids include Phenibut, Ashwagandha, and Noopept. Test these options and see if they help improve your sleep patterns for the better. Also, consider consulting your doctor before using them for improving your sleep routine.
Tip #3: Keep Plenty of Ice on Hand
Not only will ice help with your nagging injuries, but it’s also great to have around because it can reduce or eliminate inflammation even if you aren’t specifically wounded in a particular area.
And this is obviously great because the less inflammation you have, the easier your running practices will be.
As an example, after you run a dozen or more miles, it’s best to ice down your shins for about 10 minutes. This will help to relieve any inflammation that might be present.
Professional athletes like baseball pitchers ice their arms after every game they pitch even if they aren’t injured. They do it as a preventative measure and you should follow their lead too.
Tip #4: Increase Your Mileage Gradually
Finally, when you begin training for a marathon you do not want to attempt to run 26.2 miles right out of the gate. That’s absolutely insane and it’s a good way to get hurt.
Instead, figure out a good starting point – may be only a mile or two if you haven’t run in a while – and gradually increase your mileage each day, week, or month – depending on how much time you have left when preparing for a marathon.
Final Thoughts on Running a Marathon,
Prepping for a marathon can be difficult and downright painful. It’s mentally grueling and physically challenging, to say the least. But it’s worth it when you cross the finish line to cheers from your family, friends, and other spectators in attendance.
You’ll have accomplished something that very few people accomplish in their lives and you’ll feel great about your experience so it’s definitely worth it.
Have you trained for a marathon before? Feel free to share your tips to train for a marathon to help other beginners.
