5 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your First Marathon

[@cammo20]

I remember vividly not sleeping the night before my first marathon - not a wink. But once you’re at the start line, it didn’t matter. The body goes into battle mode. It was the quickest marathon I’d ever run. 🙂🏃‍♂️

[@punxrath123]

Cargo shorts was my mistake. 10 years ago now but the chafing was legendary. Lots of blood and pain

[@runningchannel]

😬 ouch!!!

[@MarcLloydZ]

phillip perkins who is suppose to stop him the cargo shorts police?

[@MultiShiv19]

I ran my first half marathon last year, and I wore my mountain biking shorts for it, which had little holes around the inner thighs. Plus I had a phone in my right pocket. The chafing was bad. Never again! Next time I'll be running with proper running shorts.

[@alfromtx245]

That sounds miserable!

[@Jakesmusings]

Would be great to have a program on Chafing; that would be legendary!

[@thatguygreg]

I’ve yet to run a marathon. Today was actually my longest run to date - 30km! Right now I’m relaxing with my dog on my lap and I can barely make it to the kitchen to get more water! This channel is really growing on me. It’s so wholesome and nice and great for everyday runners like me. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching videos from Sage, SJD and Ben Parkes etc but those guys are super human and the times they put up regularly are so far beyond my ability! Inspiring and depressing at the same time. But this channel gives me hope!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment and congrats on your long run! 30km is a great achievement! Hope you’ve recovered well. Are you signed up for a marathon in the future? (Anna)

[@thatguygreg]

@@runningchannel Thanks Anna! I seem to have recovered well enough, had a nice 10km recovery run this AM amd felt really good considering Sunday's long run! I haven't signed up to a marathon just yet but I will run at least one in 2020. Right now I have an eye on the Madrid marathon in April and maybe Valencia or San Sebastian toward the end of next year. Keep up the great work!

[@thatguygreg]

@Alec Tichelaar Well the marathon was cancelled plus we were in lockdown and weren't allowed to run outside. So I decided to run a marathon in my basement on the same day - Sunday 26 April. It went really well. Took it very slow and easy, it's hard to run fast in such a small space anyway. Ran 43km in 4 hours 40 min, like I said, very slow but it was good. Have signed up for Valencia in December, hopefully that will go ahead. Really want to get my first official marathon done asap!

[@thatguygreg]

@Alec Tichelaar Yeah it was really disappointing but nothing I could do about it. Made the best of a crappy situation. Congrats on the half, 1:51 is a decent time. My current PB is just a few seconds quicker at 1:50:47.

[@angusthomas4876]

Try the fogdog exclusive and or Matt hanso and or izak bible for running you tubers

[@dannyjacobs2280]

One thing I remind everyone before their first marathon is, once you received your medal and you're excited and ready to get some water and food, don't forget to stretch! We do it after every run, but seem to easily forget after our longest run!

[@runningchannel]

Great advice!

[@siemniak]

I'm actually amazed with my progress in running and health overall. I could not run 5 km without stopping in the march of 2020 and today i actually did my first half marathon (2:09). My time now for 5 km is around 20 minutes. I've been running like crazy lately. What is most suprising to me is that recovery time is way shorter than what it used to be. For example after running a half marathon i don't feel that exhausted which is weird because two months before when i did my previous life record which was 16 km i could not walk for three days like a normal person. Also i've practically got rid of hypertension meds which i've took for 14 years. Now i believe it's possible to run the whole thing :)

[@aaronbaptist1563]

Wow! That's amazing! Would you mind sharing your training program? 🙂

[@siemniak]

@@aaronbaptist1563 oh I didn't have any. I just run a lot. The breaking point was work competition on Endomondo.Who will run most km in one month. Ive started 17 days after the Others. So I had to run sometimes three times a day for almost two weeks to destroy my opponents. Sometimes twenty km per day. I could not walk i was in so much pain but I wanted to win so bad i just kept running anyway. And suddenly I could run 12km at once then 15. I won this competition and after Short brake I've decided to try and run half marathon and i did it. So basically I had a crazy goal and wanted to win so bad. Don't know if it's healthy thing to do

[@dtrjones]

@@siemniak So long as the majority of all those runs were easy runs you probably did your aerobic endurance the power of good! I'm getting great results with the 80/20 rule and it's helped me a lot so far build up my endurance.

[@mjowsey]

WOW, good on ya! I have been taking hypertension meds for about 8 years and in that time I've stopped smoking and started running. My need for the drugs hasn't changed. Perhaps I need to run more!?!

[@jeniboyd2579]

This video actually really helps. I'm about to run my first marathon, and all of the things you've mentioned- feeling sluggish, not sleeping well, and maranoia was making me feel like I'm not ready. Knowing other people are going through this is super helpful. Thank you!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Solid advice for newbies. I’d like to add that, like everything, marathon running does get easier (mentally, not physically). It’s funny though; the long training runs don’t seem to get any easier. 😂

[@runningchannel]

Spot on Matt!

[@chayogasperi9783]

Thanx for being honest .

[@ricd2821]

My main tip - know the course inside out if you can. Know where you can make time and the hilly parts where your pace will naturally slip. Don't think you'll be blasting out the same exact pace mile after mile. Start slow and run a negative split you'll be passing lots of people at end, it will be a very positive experience which will make you want to keep running. Then your second marathon you can try and run more of a true run pace and push yourself more. Good luck

[@runningchannel]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@riverriver_2747]

Great advice, you can shave 5 minutes of your time if you know the course, guarantee

[@9427173312ful]

Mine first marathon is tomorrow. Feeling nervous 😟

[@runningchannel]

Good luck Kunal!

[@9427173312ful]

I did it in 5 hours:)

[@beauhalliday9496]

Kunal Patel how long did it take to train to be able to do that and how fit were you before

[@chayogasperi9783]

How was it Kunal ??

[@maryoreskovich2737]

i just love the three of you! always cheerful, sound advice for real people, not just elite athletes. i ran a half marathon this past weekend and had a blast. i'll find out if i receive a lottery entry for the 2020 chicago marathon tomorrow. i've learned so much from your channel-thank you!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching, Mary! And congrats on your half!! Fingers crossed for Chicago!

[@jimrad3]

Hadn’t run in over 6 years since my daughter was born..got back into it at beginning of lockdown, doing 100 miles in fancy dress ( not all in one hit!) kept the running up, increasing to 10 miles which I do twice a week with 5 miles in between....my mate and I have decided to give the virtual London a go. Have come here for tips....thanks so much dudes

[@filmic1]

One hard lesson for me was, don't run through a/deep puddles. Made life miserable for one of my feet for a couple of weeks. Bleak!

[@chandaharkins4418]

A "massive set of cans" has a different meaning in the US. 😂 Thanks for the advice!

[@matthewguenther6925]

After 30+ years off from running, I'm training for the Yakima River Valley Marathon (my first). Your videos are really helping me get back into running in a variety of ways (technology, modern training/nutrition, inspiration, and more). The hardest thing for me has been trying not to compare my younger, able to bang out a 1/2 marathon at 5min/mile (and then ride my bike 10 miles to the beach and back) me to older, heavier, much slower and creakier me. I have to remind myself that it took almost 2 years to get back within 20% of my long distance cycling speed from back then, and I'm just into my 19th week of running training (and IMO running is way harder than cycling).

[@alfromtx245]

Once the race is over, get plenty of rest but also find ways to keep moving. You'll recover faster this way. Maybe go take a walk or jump on the stationary bike for 20-30 minutes. Easiest gear with a faster turnover. Alternate days of walking and stationary bike (or other minimal impact cardio), until the soreness is gone. Then, ease back into running. After my last marathon, it was 5 days before I wasn't sore anymore and was ready to run. With some people it take more or less time. Just listen to your body and don't rush it.

[@mollyolecule4445]

I'm getting ready to run my first marathon this weekend and I am so nervous!! Thank you Running Channel for these tips! I'll try to practice them and remember them on the big day

[@joannacampbell2903]

How did it go!?

[@mollyolecule4445]

@@joannacampbell2903 Amazing!! First 15 miles were pure joy, final 11 were a bit of a sufferfest, but I finished with a smile :) Huge thanks to @therunningchannel for their great advice and training videos! I felt super well prepared for the race and am already thinking about the next one!

[@williamdonnell5989]

I’m running my first at London 2020 so I’m watching all your videos..keep them coming as I’m getting loads of great advice 👍

[@runningchannel]

Wishing you loads of luck William!

[@Brownaldo2]

Me too bro. Proper shitting it. Never ran more than 8 miles. Doing 9 this weekend. The body doesn’t know what to do!

[@ianwallis7703]

When I did my first marathon there weren't lots of races around - up to 10k was for track runners only and there were about 3 half marathons around where I lived each year. So my preparation was my usual 7 miles training runs with my friend and a couple of half marathons in the few months beforehand. I ran with my friend who finished after the half marathon distance and then I carried on alone to do the full marathon - big mistake - he had dragged me along a bit too quickly and sure enough after 19 miles I hit the wall. My big tip would be to make sure you know the pace you need to run at and don't go faster in the first half.

[@runningchannel]

Great advice Ian!

[@montya5627]

First marathon on Sunday during Storm Ciara with 70mph winds, fun fun fun

[@scott-bb3tj]

2 weeks to my first in York, these vids have played a massive part in my prep 😁 thanks !! 👍

[@DeanRead]

Currently aiming for a hilly 10K in 2 months time but was inspired by watching London today to want to do a marathon. looking at doing a half in October and possibly a full next year. Really great advice and I've subscribed for more tips 😎👍

[@runningchannel]

Fantastic! Good luck with your training Dean 🙌

[@davet6599]

You actually had more than 30K to go when you had that panic attack Kate!🤣 I'm running Vancouver half in May, and if any energy left, the Dublin full in October! 😩 Love your guys videos.

[@bobbosworld6795]

She actually said 20 miles not 20k 😁

[@colinhoban7417]

Hi guys many thanks for all your wise words and advice. I've got my first marathon a week on Sunday and been training a lot these past few weeks. Is it just me, but I didn't fancy going for a run today, as I'm worried I might trigger my old running injuries, anyone else worry about this? Thanks as always.

[@mr.mueller7704]

Great video! Thanks for the tips. Never entered a race before. Last weekend I slogged through a 25k just to see if I could. It was painful, but I never stopped running. Yesterday I began an 18 week marathon training plan. My only issue is trying to figure out what pace to run long runs at. During my 25k my average was 7:19/km pace. Should I be aiming for the same pace as “race pace” 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@gretchenross4033]

Great video. Where can I get one of those tee-shirts (RUNNER)? I made several mistakes at the NYC marathon a few years back. I went out too fast, I ate too early and I pulled a muscle at the half-way point - had to walk/limp for 13 miles one year. I went out too fast as well. I also tried to run the St Louis Marathon while on a decongestant - dehydration followed. That was bad. Don't make that mistake.

[@runningchannel]

Hey Gretchen! We have some RUNNER sweatshirts for sale in our online shop here therunningchannel.com/shop Your NYC Marathon experience sounds typical of many peoples' marathon race days! There are so many things that could go wrong! Hopefully these tips will help others not make the same mistakes as us!

[@runforyourlifeuk]

Got my first marathon at Brighton 2020 so loving all the videos and trying to absorb it all! Keep them coming!

[@runningchannel]

Good luck! We’ll be there!

[@richmouland]

Me too. Hope the training goes well.

[@JeremyChecketts]

My first marathon was Ogden Utah May 2018, kept getting told this was a downhill course.. Technically it was, but not nearly the downhill I expected from our other mountain races here in Utah. While running I was in dread and hate most of the time. My regret was that I didn't study the course map better. My second marathon was St George Utah Oct 2018 and I was much more prepared for the course and the climbs. Took 30 mins off my time too.

[@simacca]

As we near Marathon season this information is brilliant for first timers like myself. Could I ask for a little advice around nutrition whilst tapering please. As the milage and calorie requirement reduces, how difficult is it to adjust to know how much food to consume from 3 weeks out. Thanks.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you’re finding the videos useful. Taper nutrition, like everything, varies from person to person. But as you cut back on running volume, the same can be said for quantity of food. But the main thing is to pay attention to slowly decreasing your overall caloric intake, while maintaining adequate carbohydrate intake. The easiest way is to trade some of the calories coming from fat or protein for more carbohydrates. Hope that helps!

[@simacca]

@@runningchannel Great advice....Thanks again 👍🏼

[@runningchannel]

No problem!

[@spmstreaming2540]

I'm a little confuse when you guys used K and then miles.

[@tromboneman10]

Use the Vasaline before starting

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Thanks for the great advice looking forward to my first half marathon The Great North Run In September 👍

[@runningchannel]

Hope the training’s going well!

[@northernninjarunner5506]

The Running Channel Still recovering from a viral infection 😷 do people not think about passing their germs across 🤧

[@runningchannel]

Oh dear. Hope you get well soon.

[@thejeffinvade]

Doing my first in October. Hopefully not catching covid or cold 1 week before the race.

[@varietylife6847]

Thank you guys for sharing your experiences and advices.

[@runningchannel]

Our pleasure!

[@delfino19777]

Next year I'll be running my first marathon here in NYC. I'm panicking cause my lo g trainings are during the summer and I hate running in heat. I'm seriously thinking of waking at 5am on Thursdays to avoid the heat

[@ieuanpugh-jones5284]

Also what this crowd thing bearing mind I am a fell or trail runner primarily I am quite used to running for miles on my own without support apart from an occasional marshal.

[@jared9962]

Great video from the best channel!

[@ieuanpugh-jones5284]

In my first marathon I managed to set 5, 10, 15 20k and half pb that was Marathon Eryri.

[@Eveningredening]

Just registered for my first marathon on Halloween day in northern Ohio. Working my way up from a seven mile long run on an eighteen week training schedule. I’m already a bit nervous.

[@runningchannel]

You can do it Alec! Good luck and keep us updated with your training 😊

[@DevonPixie1991]

I had a stomach bug after my 10k I’m dreading what my body will give me after my half in September and god help my body after a full marathon I’m hoping to do one before I’m 35. I’m 28!

[@cablesandcrochet]

Might not have been the running itself, could be a bad coincidence or if you took in some food during the run that you may need to find something that works better. I've done many half marathons and on one I had really really bad GI issues during and after, I still don't know the reason and it has never happened again. So don't be afraid that it will happen to you on every long distance, I'm sure you'll find something that works well and won't give you any GI issues!

[@andrewmacleod8836]

I'm running my first marathon next Saturday. Any tips on best types of food to have days and day before? I know not to try something radical that I wouldnt normally have, but just some things that you know we should definitely have and definitely avoid

[@runningchannel]

Hey Andrew, thanks so much for watching and how exciting for your first marathon! OK, so when it comes to food - really you don't want to be trying anything new in these days leading up to your race. There are various schools of thought on whether you should increase your carbohydrate levels before a race, but keep to a healthy, balanced diet. In terms of foods to avoid - anything that is spicy, or particularly rich (creamy sauces, for example) can sometimes upset your stomach so best to avoid these. Try choosing meals that you know you've eaten before your long runs in training. And the same with your breakfast the day of the marathon - standard long run breakfast (for me, porridge, and maybe a bagel if I have time). Hope this helps and good luck! Let us know how it goes 😊 - Mary

[@andrewmacleod8836]

@@runningchannel Thanks very much, glad you mentioned about the balanced diet even in these last 3 days, because I had watched a few guys who loaded up on the carbs. I'll keep it sensible. Will let you know how we go :)

[@loisbridge5634]

How do you stop the sickness feeling half way through?

[@jayvonpryor1956]

Thats probably dehydrate so just stay hudrated but when i get cramps ill put both my hands on my head or my hips and keep running

[@andysykes3861]

Never run one before and I have 2 marathons in April, Manchester then 3 weeks later London. Doing them both for charity. The mental thing is my hardest struggle, my head goes and I can't get passed how far it is and how long is left, that's what I need to work on.

[@runningchannel]

Sounds like you’ve got quite the challenge coming up! Good luck! Hopefully these tips will help. We have some other videos on the mental strength side of things like ‘How To Get Through Long Runs’ that you should check out

[@andysykes3861]

@@runningchannel I survived the first one! I ran with a friend and only really started to struggle with thinking about distance at about mile 21, when i was getting tired anyway. I found it tough but was using all sorts of counting techniques and speaking to the crowds to get me through.

[@runningchannel]

@@andysykes3861 Amazing!! Well done!! When's the next one?

[@andysykes3861]

@@runningchannel it's London on 28thApril. I don't know even if I should be aiming to be quicker or just go, enjoy and finish. I got 3:35:40 for my first which I was made up with but you know when you see you're not a million miles away from 3:30 😬

[@MrCol104]

Andy Sykes Amazing time for your first marathon. Best of luck at London.

[@Jarzur]

My advice is you should be prepared for the race. Your body may not be fit enough for that long trip, and less even in a race. So, if you feel something wrong during the race, just leave it.

[@marknicholls1669]

Thanks good advise got my first in 8 weeks. Thinking of doing my last long run 4 weeks before aiming for 38k as I understand you don't do a marathon distance until run day is this right?

[@runningchannel]

Yes, that’s right. The full distance takes so long to recover from that during training it adds very little benefit. For a first timer, the log slow runs should be about getting ‘time on feet’ in. Race day will provide the buzz and adrenaline needed to see you through the whole way - provided you pace the first part well. Good luck!

[@gretchenross4033]

Good luck

[@emmanoonan9480]

How long should you be able to run before signing up to a marathon? My longest run is 30km and I do this once a month, how much longer do I need to make it before signing up for a marathon ?

[@BrianSepulveda]

Thanks for the great tips! These will really help with the marathon I'm training for on my channel!

[@ACJ60]

Great advice, as always.

[@runningchannel]

Cheers A J!

[@digitalbean3975]

A marathon is just a distance - nothing to be afraid of

[@pward2482ify]

I’m going to do my first half marathon in 16 weeks my longest run so far just over 6 miles can you give me any tips.

[@matteoadesso5375]

Lol, I should not have watched this. My first marathon will be the virtual NYC marathon this year, no crowds, no water handouts on route, I’m on my own. Me and my hydration pack.

[@dtrjones]

My too, although I'll be running London vitual marathon in October. Just have to be mentally strong haha! Carrying own water isn't great but hopefully the training runs will sort any issues out.

[@whitehart61]

Hi, peeps. regarding picking up bugs after a marathon. Of course the immune system has suffered a huge hit. It's taking in good nutrition! Vitamin C in abundance!! I did 20 miles today. (I must admit the heat had me wilting a tad by mile 17!). But the first thing I did when I got home was to have a banana for potassium, and an orange and kiwi for vitamin C. I had a good Sunday lunch topped with both carbo and protein, but also a plate of strawberries. More vitamin C. Keep digging in, peeps, all of you, with your running. Parkruns next week! I'm marshaling. Cheers Les

[@AsherSmithFilms]

the training plan i’m following has me running a 21 miler two weeks out from the race…is that a bad idea?

[@lamby1022]

I’m new to running I’ve done a few 10ks in London but sounds weird but what do you think about ? My Brain keeps saying running is boring running is hard 😳 what tip can you give to train my brain 🤔

[@runningchannel]

Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnbVYqywlLiqr5Y

[@lamby1022]

👍🏃‍♂️

[@bartrese]

This is me lol

[@vicpivo]

I am going to do my first Marathon in June 2020 it is a trial one how different should the training plan be from a road race plan.

[@kerry_runs]

Nice tips, thanks👍✌

[@rachelvaduva1705]

I know you posted this a while ago, but I’ve been training for my first marathon for about six months and for some reason my time is getting progressively worse as I increase the weekly mileage and long runs. I find that I’m just not able to keep as fast of a pace even in my shorter runs. Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong?

[@lenasmart1086]

I’m feeling exactly the same way! I’m due to run a marathon 2 weeks today and feel that my body is rebelling. Please lmk how you get on with your training and marathon run.

[@rachelvaduva1705]

@@lenasmart1086 Unfortunately, I suffered from a stress fracture in my pelvis last week, and all my marathon dreams are now on hold!! Good luck to you though!

[@osmirod1]

Question: is there a list of suggested pace for each mile? Or for every 10k , 5k or so?

[@user-ev4gg8pf4t]

3:50 mile should be good

[@osmirod1]

Fidget spinner69 huh?

[@sophiegorman4415]

osmirod1 fidgetspinner69 meant to run one mile it should take that long and I’m pretty sure you can work out the other distances x

[@riverriver_2747]

My biggest mistake is not running a marathon before, I am 65 years old now and I don't see myself running one. Half marathon will take just about 10 weeks to get ready.

[@runningchannel]

Never say never, Roberto!

[@dtrjones]

Hi Robero! Eileen Noble ran her 20th London Marathon at the age of 85 in 2020. She only started marathon running in her 50s when as she described it as huffing and puffing. I really believe the body is exceptionally strong, most of the time the mental capacity breaks down well before the physical does. Try a half and see how you feel, I think you may supprise yourself! Go for it!

[@allisonlikesyellow]

My first marathon was a trail marathon and I wore a cotton shirt and basketball shorts 🤣

[@crystalsacinocarroll]

Love this channel and love this video! My first marathon is a little over a week away 😬

[@runningchannel]

Best of luck for your first marathon!

[@hardworkpays1929]

How did it go any advice?

[@melissajmeli]

I’m now panicking about panicking at 10K. 😂 But this is very helpful! Thank you!

[@runningchannel]

Glad it was helpful Melissa and don't worry - you'll be absolutely fine! Which 10k are you running?

[@melissajmeli]

@@runningchannel I'm running the Philadelphia Marathon in November! Worried I'll have the same reaction at the 10K mark about how many more miles are left to go. :) But it's all one mile at a time, right?

[@biffer4810]

Philippides wore Hoka

[@SamirMishra6174]

great intro

[@davidgraham7465]

That looks really horrible but I really really want to do it

[@angelraquel3524]

New subscriber!

[@runningchannel]

Welcome on board!

[@johnfrancisflynn4696]

Do not go off too fast . it is better to go off slowly

[@runningchannel]

Great advice!

[@arcticrunning8370]

Funny intro!

[@denizozcelik2766]

I hate it when people says miles I'm used to KM

[@zackstrigin]

She’s so funny 🤣

[@matthewedwardsRHS]

I wish you had known the subjunctive. lol

[@shonaewen3367]

Don’t accept all the water that they offer you, you will stop at every portapotty to pee! 😂

[@user-ev4gg8pf4t]

I just got injured 😥

[@tictachikes6156]

What I got from this video :training long runs are crap so don't train in the winter 😂😂

[@runningchannel]

🤔 😂