I have written as short as I could 20+ of my marathon experience, in order for you to pick a bit my experience, and take maybe better decisions before or during a marathon. Since that article is pretty long, though, I was thinking to make a shorter one and to provide clear tips, out of my experience, when it comes to running a marathon. Of course, the approach differs from one person to another, but the things I am highlighting here should not do any harm, on the contrary. They look to be maybe pure common sense, but, believe me, they can be left aside because of lack of attention, or maybe even stubbornness. Don’t know which is the main to blame, but for sure each could provoke serious problems during a marathon.

Tips & “tricks” for having a decent marathon run

1. Do your “due diligence”, and be honest with yourself if you have the sufficient physical background – some medical checkups are required –  and the sufficient volumes to challenge a marathon – if you are running 50 kilometers per month, I am afraid it is not sufficient to go for 42.195 km in one go – it is just against your health;
2.  Set a goal, and take a training plan. You can find one on the internet, or talk to a real training coach – not a dummy influencer. It usually consists of 16 weeks, and a model can be found here. This is very important, because it is accommodating your body with the effort it is about to come in the marathon day;
3. I would recommend to pick a race when it is as cool as possible outside. Not all people like cold weather, but it is very seldom to feel better when it is 20-25ºC outside, then when it is 10ºC. You might be the exception, but generally speaking, monitor the weather when deciding to go for it, regardless of your speed;
4. If you do participate at a marathon in which the temperature is picking up, most likely in the second half, then make sure to check the forecast the day ahead, and have a cap, or something to cover your head – especially if you are bald, like me! – a white color cap should do the best work;
5. Take a 500 ml flask in one hand, or in a belt, if it suits you, with some electrolytes inside, take a sip every X kilometers – as you feel – so you might not need to stop at hydration points that often. I did it for the first time in Valencia Marathon, and it did really support me, because I could drink while running, and also refill it (almost) while running;
6. Keep some energy from the first half – most likely you won’t do a negative split anyway, but it is important to not give almost your all in the first 21+ kilometers. Not once I split the marathons in two halves, but the reality is that for an amateur, the second half of a marathon, cannot be compared whatsoever with the first half. Take note!
7. Check the elevation gain before subscribing and be sure you can cope with ascent. For example, the Athens Authentic Marathon has some decent elevation, not too hard, but if you train only on plain surfaces, then it become even harder than the distance itself. Make sure you suit your race with your training and capacity.
8. Never do a marathon, before doing several half-marathons! It is in some way linked to no. 1, the point being that if you run only a couple of kilometers, even if you want to approach a marathon training plan, go first to train and experience half-marathons! The difficulty is exponentially lower, but it is better than jumping directly to a marathon.
9. Make sure you don’t test any gels, pills or drinks in the race day, because you can have digestive surprises. Train your gut with the rest of your body, and understand what type of food and drinks you can intake during such a demanding journey. You will make things simpler.
10. Also, never use new shoes in a marathon race day – use the shoes you want to wear in several trainings, because this way you will be sure no “blistering” surprises will occur. As well, pick your clothes wisely, and adopt always the thin multilayer strategy, then to have thick clothes that might slow you down, or make you feel disconformable.
11. Just pick some safety pin to have them in your luggage, in case you race abroad, and don’t get them in the kit. You might get those eventually, but you might not, in some circumstances, and you don’t want to worry that you have no alternative to arrange the number with the BIB – happened to me in Valencia!
12. Eat clean before the race, many simple carbs, don’t exaggerate with alcohol, try to rest as best as possible, and in the race day, try to eat a bit less, than too much, because if you are full, then in a marathon this is a heavy burden. Instead, as said, have some dedicated food with you, or drinks, to support you while going.

Just remember!

All the above look like common sense, I am reiterating this once again, but it is not always the case. And I am talking also from my experience. In the heat before a competition, you don’t consider many things which can turn against you in no-time, so this is why some facts are always important to keep in mind. Now, it is not enough to go easy thru a marathon only ticking the above, but all of those are for sure good ingredients to make a pre-marathon strategy cocktail. A strategy that should start, maybe, with at least 25 weeks before the event, just to offer you enough time to prepare everything in a decent manner. When running a marathon, there are no corner cuts. They can be, but on your own expense and risk, because really, our body is not made to make quantum leaps to a marathon distance. Just always remember that! 😉