10 TIPS I wish I had known before my FIRST MARATHON

[@jimc5000]

It just cracks me up how your first marathon was 2:28 😂 I mean you seriously are a complete talent Ben

[@SmallV168]

I am trying the same strategy now. 5K -> 10k -> half -> full, unfortunately I already ran 2006 Beijing marathon in 4:50+ without any training. But I used to run 1500m and 3KM in middle school, 200m , 400m and 800m in high school then 400m and 800m in college. I am inspired by people like Ben to start running with an ambitious goal now.

[@Eddie-Spaghetti]

I wonder if you secretly do hope to catch the elite men one day? 😉 Imagine that? we’re all cheering you on in the Olympic marathon in the future. I can see the video title now ‘ from KZbinr to Olympic marathoner 😉😀👍 Go Ben 👍

[@BenIsRunning]

Oh I 100% have aspirations to catch them up! Never say never :)

[@bathory4999]

Lets goooo, Ben ! 🔥

[@maloxi1472]

@@BenIsRunning You WILL catch them one day, Ben. Some adaptations to endurance training can take several years to even begin to plateau. You have the talent and the discipline. In my eyes, you are the Western Yuki Kawauchi 😎 You WILL be an elite marathoner in a few years 🙏🏼

[@runningoneddie]

I agree with your assessments. I was always fairly conservative about racing 3 weeks out from a marathon. I'll admit it, I did it, but I was warned that it was easy to tax yourself and result in a sub-par marathon performance. I love to race though and I knew better but I did it anyways. My biggest tip is that you MUST absolutely nail your first 10K in the marathon. Meaning come up with a plan based upon your expected time and the weather conditions and run that 10K as conservatively as you can. If you go out even a little too fast, you'll pay for it later in the race. The "race" really begins around mile 16 to 20 for most people. As always, I enjoy your work and watch all your videos.

[@BenIsRunning]

That’s a great tip Eddie! With tune up races as well, because else all recover at different rates, some people can get away with it where as others can’t. I think it also depends on distance and how hard you race. Eg a 10miler at marathon pace will be a lot less taxing that a half marathon all out :)

[@OttoVogrincic]

As always, great content Ben! I want to touch a little bit more on tip 4, position support (4:35). I like to have everything planned and knowing exactly where my family and friends will be helps me avoid looking for them randomly throughout the race. If you know your family will be at mile 10 for example, you can enjoy the rest of the race without having to be on alert mode waiting for a friend/family member to call out your name. If for some reason you miss them at that mile mark, there will another opportunity at another predetermined marker.

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes 100% and for me i could zone out and glance at my watch and be like in 6km I get to see some friends and it just kept me relaxed 😌

[@paulvymeris425]

Brilliant tips Ben! On the subject of gels, I think taking a spare one with you is good advice, in case you drop one without realising or (like me) rip one open too fast and spill most of it down you

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes that’s a great tip. I actually did this and ended up needing it

[@PERFECTWORKOUT]

I tried all scenarios before my first marathon, but your tip to consume a gel over a distance of more than one km has additionally perfected it! Thanks!

[@frauhorn]

I did Copenhagen too, and I'm already signed up for Valencia. Nice to have in the diary but also nice to have a big break in between to rest and then focus on some shorter distances.

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes this is my exact thinking!

[@iblamead6942]

This is probably the best running tips I've ever watch🔥

[@Martin-qt9pv]

Thanks Ben ,Great tips! I made a few learnings myself from Stockholm marathon. 1) flip belt takes on a lot of water . I pored water over my head every 5 k to try to cool down which probably added half a kg of weight in the end. Next race I will not use the flip belt 2) avoid hotel coffee in the morning if you are, like me, having a sensitive stomach. You want to keep you breakfast as long a possible 3) go up 1/2 shoe size in warm weather conditions if the shoes are on the limit. I got blisters

[@BenIsRunning]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing Martin

[@leslie7922]

These are really good tips, recently ran my third marathon and by #3 I can finally run the whole thing without blowing up. Sipping gels and not overdoing the water are definitely key especially for salty sweaters like me. I used to think smash tonnes of water and consume 2-3L during the run. My recent one I had 600ml sugar water and 3 cups water from aid stations and outperformed my other attempts which had 3x or more fluids lol.

[@BenIsRunning]

Yeah it’s called something where you basically flush out the salts from you body by over hydrating so definitely again, sometimes that needs fine tuning in training runs

[@chrisgardiner4998]

I have done a few marathons, but not since 2019, so some good reminders in here as I’ve got the Chelmsford marathon in October.

[@BenIsRunning]

Glad you found it helpful, all the best Chris

[@dediarya945]

Thanks for the tips Ben!

[@BenIsRunning]

You’re welcome, thanks for the comment ❤

[@logiclucky1133]

Ben with those daily uploads 😍😍

[@BenIsRunning]

Grinding hard 😂

[@victorisrunning]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing. If Valencia is sold out, check out San Sebastián. It’s the week before in north Spain and great crowd and support as it is the 2nd oldest marathon in Spain… 44th edition this year. I just signed up 😀

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks for informing me, will have a look

[@LittleMissEza]

I signed up for a marathon at age 25, when I was young, stupid and not even a runner, because I wanted to finish one so bad. I backed out and felt twinges of regret. Only now am I learning from you guys on YT about what it takes, and kinda thankful I didn't do it. I would have been injured or DQd, no training and didn't even know about refueling tsk tsk. Old now but who knows, I might slowly SLOWLY build up to a marathon in a few years.

[@BenIsRunning]

You’ve got to give it a go! Not experienced the feeling of self accomplishment from any other race. It’s truly special

[@CheeseBlackOps]

Great video Bob!

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks mate

[@garethmorgan2383]

Great advice Ben . All your tips were 1st class . Consuming the gel over the course of a km will be something that I’ll implement on my next marathon as opposed to rushing them down as I’ve done previously. Don’t forget the sunblock especially on those shoulders would be my advice. I had a great Boston, except for my burnt Shoulders , so learnt my lesson the hard way. October 9th in Perth WA is my next marathon 👍🏃‍♀️

[@buffaloj0e]

That’s interesting, I knew a Gareth Morgan a long time ago. You didn’t live in Alstonville as a kid?

[@BenIsRunning]

So many runners forgot the suncream that day because the start of the race wasn’t that warm! A good tip to remember 😀

[@garethmorgan2383]

@@buffaloj0e Hi , Definitely not me . I’ve lived in Wales for all my 50 years though I do plan on living in Australia for the next 50+ when I emigrate shortly 👍🏃‍♀️

[@buffaloj0e]

@@garethmorgan2383 I always thought it would be long shot, I hope the move goes well and Australia treats you nice, good luck with the Perth Marathon.

[@garethmorgan2383]

@@buffaloj0e Respect 👍🙏

[@PhilippPley]

The Valencia marathon is great! It did just sell out though, hope you managed to get a ticket in the end. Last year I myself was late to signing up and managed to get a ticket via the waitlist. If Valencia is your goal race, perhaps get on the waitlist sooner rather than later.

[@jobanski]

Great tips!

[@BenIsRunning]

Thank you jobanski

[@abdullahs8431]

consuming a gel all at once was a big mistake in my first marathon ( bad stitch). my club mates are running Valencia! very exiting

[@BenIsRunning]

Yeah the day I started taking them more slowly was a bit of a breakthrough! Hopefully see them there

[@Thommouk]

Mate! Valencia - great choice - lovely and flat!

[@BenIsRunning]

Cheers thommo! Hopefully i can get in 🤞🏻

[@JackD87]

Seen you’re doing some full on speed session at the moment for short stuff. Would you do a video on the difference between 5k training and marathon please? Like sessions you’re currently doing that you wouldn’t touch during a marathon build and vice versa 👊🏼

[@BenIsRunning]

Yeah this would be a great video! Thanks for the idea, I’ll add it to my list :)

[@JackD87]

@@BenIsRunning nice one! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@aguayix]

Hi Ben! Excellent video and very useful, but I miss one crucial issue: working on strength. In my experience, at the beginning when you start running you don't pay much attention to it but when you improve I think that is key to being strong to run...but even more if you want to run faster o longer...42k is too long!!!. Can you make a video about how you train your strength?

[@Phoebehawk21]

My advice for anyone looking to run a marathon is just go for it unreal experience but make sure follow a well planned training regime there's 1000s online if are into running join a local running club the wealth of knowledge is unreal and it's great to train with like minded people.

[@BenIsRunning]

Great advice! And so much more enjoyable than solo miles

[@00J3553]

One tip that I learned at least for me learned the hard way is not to line up at the front with the pros when the race starts. I find if you do subconsciously you try to keep up with them and deplete your energy to fast instead of running your own race at your own pace.

[@arne3804]

Next marathon - Valencia? Would love to see you there!

[@arne3804]

Haha, just seen the end of your video where you actually talk about Valencia :) Hope to see you there!

[@BenIsRunning]

I hope so! It may have sold out though 😬

[@deanevans3968]

Great video Ben. Not that I'll actually be doing a marathon anytime soon haha

[@BenIsRunning]

When the day come, remember this video! Hope the foot heels up bud

[@deanevans3968]

@@BenIsRunning will do one day 😂thanks mate!

[@maxnavsa4470]

I'm sure I saw Ben in Leicester park run on Saturday?

[@ifonly4486]

Electrolytes tabs are expensive for what they are. You mostly lose sodium ( very little magnesium potassium and calcium ) through sweat so i add about 500 to a 1000 mg of table salt ( 200 to 400 mg of sodium ) to my pre run oatmeal. Much cheaper and as effective........

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes that’s a good tip! I always over salt my food in the build up to marathon just to top them up

[@tom_the_triplets_dad]

One thing I got into the habit of doing is starting my long training runs the same time that marathon started, getting myself into a routine 💩 need I say more 😉

[@BenIsRunning]

That’s a really good one! Also allows you to get used to conditions ie if it’s a morning race the likelihood of the end of the race being a lot warmer than the start :)

[@BumbleNut59]

I’m new to running and am training up to the London in October. I’m really looking forward to it but keep getting runners knee! Went for a half at the weekend and had to stop at 18k due to pain :(

[@grahamtricker4103]

Also watch out on your electrolyte intake. It's easy to take too much which throws your body out of balance and then you end up running to the toilet for days afterwards, as well as feeling pretty crap. I find one tablet is about enough for me but others may be able to consume more without issues...

[@BenIsRunning]

Yes agree! Learning how much you need is also worth practicing on the long runs, experiment

[@andrewdowney4469]

What do you think about recovery after a marathon? Do you take time off from running/cross train in the days following?

[@BenIsRunning]

I personally trained at such high milage 2 weeks of easy running and I was pretty much fully recovered. The speed for the shorter distance is still coming back a month and a bit later though. Everyone’s different I guess /)

[@namits3775]

Great tips, although I changed my view with salts after I read Waterlogged by Tim Noakes... (for me taking "extra" salt (eg additional to normal diet) made my running worse)

[@BenIsRunning]

Oh interesting. I guess everyone’s different but I certainly was lacking it toward the end when the abdominals started to cramp. Was covered in a layer of crystals 😂

[@finnrattray]

4:52 my friend’s dad always gets us to stand at mile 19 for his expresso coffee to overcome all the fatigue in the last few miles😂

[@BenIsRunning]

I need an espresso dad. Will add this into my next marathon race 😂

[@benquinn4335]

Love your videos man, I got 2 questions, what were your times at 16 and currently I'm 16 and I'm only running 18.44 for 5km, how do I lower that time in 2 months? Thanks bro

[@BenIsRunning]

I’ve only been running for 3 years and was a 22min 5km runner at 21. It’s less about age and more about how you can slowly and consistently build up your training volume and the times will naturally tumble :)

[@danneh8777]

16 and ONLY running 18.44 for 5km… that’s fast

[@Peanut_Shrewton]

Where can I get that cap from? Looks comfy

[@BenIsRunning]

TEAMVAGA! Use BENISRUNNING15 for 15% off

[@Peanut_Shrewton]

@@BenIsRunning Cheers buddy 👊🏼

[@virus3run20]

Hey man I have a question : if I run the fastest time at a half marathon but I’m not in the elite devision am I still the winner even though the elite runner finished before me but I ran the fastest time¿ thanks

[@BenIsRunning]

If it’s wave starts I’d say yes, you ran the course in the fastest time overall? Difficult one. Is this hypothetical or did it actually happen?

[@marcok5412]

I have problems with drinking when running rather than with the gels

[@BenIsRunning]

Top tip, fold the cup and small sips

[@reubencole3142]

Cheers ben. What would you suggest to do pacing wise compared to a half marathon? Got a 76min half PB and doing my first marathon next year…wondering if sub 3 is possible.

[@itzStrFtw]

With a 76 half you should be running at least 2:45 for the marathon if you have enough volume in your training

[@BenIsRunning]

I’m not to sure if there’s an exact conversion but I ran a 68 half and then a 2:28 marathon so double it and add 10-15mins I’d say

[@bh4560]

Going off too fast is not great. But I am terrible for it! 🤣

[@BenIsRunning]

No matter how many times people tell me and I tell myself…I still end up doing it.

[@jamesdrury6627]

Yep I did it on my 1st marathon, learned for my 2nd and had a much better race but then went off too fast again on my 3rd and suffered again 🙃

[@fatrunner]

My top tip. First half of the race, don't be an idiot. Second half, don't be a wimp. 😂

[@BenIsRunning]

Ohhh I like it!

[@fabsterun]

First

[@BenIsRunning]

🥇🎉

[@d.lauricks3016]

While I agree. 2:28 is pretty stellar I also wanna say calling yourself a 2:20 marathoner is a little funny! A 2:09 marathoner wouldn't call himself a 2:00 marathoner either. Those times are worlds apart!

[@dr.mohamedaitnouh4501]

My advice to you is to stay away from Marathon since you are still young. It is a hell of a lot of long runs and training you will be prone to injuries. Stick to 10 K more time for you.

[@DenisYT27]

Please, please, shave off that thing on your upper lip. I won't be telling you who you look like but I think you know yourself ... P.S. Very inspirational!

[@timeonfeet]

Great tips Ben. I've found the running in a pack thing especially useful recently, really helps psychologically to feel you're in it with others. Thanks for sharing

[@BenIsRunning]

Thank you Ben!!