Marathon Running Tips

     We are entering the Fall holiday season (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Justin's Birthday, and Christmas most notably) and although there is much to look forward to you must also be aware of many scams perpetrated by swindlers during this time of year. One such scam is using the festivities of Autumn to dupe people into running long distances in the form of a marathon, half-marathon, etc. Yes, although it's sad that distance running planners prey on the bad and compulsive decision making often associated with the holidays there are some things you can do to prepare for your marathon if you find yourself the victim of such a scam.

1. Preparation and Training:

     If you are planning on running any long distance training and preparation are key. You will need a lot of rest, so be sure you start sleeping more and doing less physical activity. Avoid running. You will need to save all your running energy for the big race, so there is no need to waste it leisure running or for training. If you run 3-4 times a week like some suggest you will find yourself burnt out on running and exhausted before the race even begins. If you have it available I recommend taking the week off work leading up to the race so you can lay in bed the entire time, resting up.

2. Proper Attire:

     Another arm of the marathon scam is the lie that you have to buy specialized equipment in order to successfully complete the race. Equipment such as shirts, shorts, sunglasses, and running shoes are very expensive and are of little or no benefit to the runner. All you need to compete is to dress for the season you're running in (for Fall, some jeans or sweat pants with a hooded sweatshirt should suffice) and wear a pair of thick sole shoes or boots. Your feet are going to come into contact with the pavement thousands of times in the course of the marathon so you need a nice thick and cushy pad between your feet and the track. If you can afford it the best way to protect your feet is to wear a pair of slippers with a pair of boots over them. If you cannot afford that I suggest wearing 6-7 pairs of socks under your shoes.

3. The Day of the Marathon:

     There are a few things you can do the morning of the marathon you are running to maximize your chances of not only finishing the race, but winning it. First, sleep until the last possible second. Waking up hours before the race will just waste precious energy needed for the event. Second, eat a big breakfast. The more you eat the more your body has to convert to energy during the run. Also, try to eat right before the race starts. Third, do not stretch. Again this is an energy waster and will also cut into the time you should be eating. Fourth, drink lots of soda or other sugary drinks. The sugar will give you power that will propel you right across the finish line. Fifth, wear a backpack that has plenty of snacks and drinks in it. It will add extra weight, but running those distances takes a long time so you are bound to get hungry. Also, be sure to pack a magazine or your laptop in case you get bored or need something to take your mind off the fact that you are running.

     I strongly advise against participation in any kind of running activity, much less a long distance run, but if you find yourself in a position where you have no choice but to do so these are the steps to take. If you want to successfully compete in a long distance foot race follow the above tips and you will leave the opposition in the dust!