SLOW RUNNER MARATHON TIPS I WISH I KNEW | PEP TALKS FROM ME TO YOU

From my experience as a slow runner, here are my top marathon tips for slow runners! Slow is relative, but some of these tips are specific to runners who will be out on the course longer because of pace. Other tips are for all beginners and general things to keep in mind when preparing for your big marathon day! If you're in need of a pep talk, I have plenty sprinkled throughout this video :)
#marathontraining #beginner #running

[@brianhapeman9262]

I joined a training team for my first marathon. Our head coach always told us that the actual race was just our victory lap. You’ve done the training and need to trust in it. You’ll be nervous, but allow yourself to ENJOY the experience. He also used to say, “when someone asks you what your time was (meaning finish time), respond with ‘I had a GREAT time!’” You might have one or two low points - just keep putting one foot in front another. And take every advantage the positive vibes spectators are putting out. Nothing peps me up more than a fist bump from someone in the crowd.

[@RunningToMyPast]

Thats great advice 😁

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I love that response to what was your time haha thanks for sharing!

[@JenKenGo]

The "save your music" tip works! Just finished my first half this past weekend, and waited until mile 9 when the crowds/runners thinned out and the music saved my soul. 💪

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I'm so glad!

[@tarnel9]

Run/walk is my Marathon MO. I've used the Galloway Method for all 5 of my marathons, including 2 in NYC.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

That is awesome!

[@courtneymoore7892]

You nailed it with the emotions. Inevitably, when my body starts screaming at me around mile 20ish, my mantra becomes “temporary pain, this is not my forever.” Reminding myself that like most things in life this will come and go before I know it, helps me to persevere and run towards the finish line. The pain is temporary, the joy of completing a marathon is forever!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Yes! So temporary and sometimes I also compare it to the worst pain I've ever been in which was labor and nothing comes close to that lol

[@amyhall26]

KT tape for chaffing was a game changer. Awesome tips!

[@agarleetavarez3768]

Thanks for the tips. My favorite one was saving the music when you hit the wall.😊

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Your welcome! Hope it helps :)

[@lisapatrick6355]

This video came at the perfect time! I'm running the Philly Marathon in November (my very 1st one!) and my pre-race anxiety went down so many notches. Thank you!!

[@brianhapeman9262]

You’ll do great!! I guarantee you’ll never forget crossing that finish line. I’ve finished many long distance races (50 miles, 100k, etc.) and my first marathon finish is still my fondest memory.

[@hiwayman981]

Philly is a good one; my friend's P.B. marathon was there (twice)! He's going for his 19th and 20th this year! Have a great race!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

So glad this could help! I'm excited for you!!

[@RunningGeekGirl]

One huge rule is NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY! This is not a time to try a new fuel or hydration product you found at the expo- stick to what your body is used to. And as tempting as it is to wear the race shirt, wear it AFTER the race, since you don’t know how well the shirt will wick sweat or whether it will cause chafing. Also, keep in mind that the only thing you can control at the race is YOU. The weather, crowd, conditions are all going to vary, but how you handle it is all up to you! Adjust, smile, and just find all the positives! ❤️🤓

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

great additions thank you!

[@brianhapeman9262]

Sorry, I already commented but I thought of something else. Erin’s advice is 100% spot on. I’m a reluctant runner, it’s not something I love doing, so I spend hours in the week before a race watching videos of other runners, especially those who filmed themselves in the same race in a previous year. I’ll also search for race reports and blogs about the race to read. Doing so gives a case of FOMO and pumps me up to get out to the start line.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Great tip! This helps me too

[@leslierobbins5835]

I do the same! Vlogs are awesome to have someone share their nervous excitement of race day and get you pumped for your run.

[@cathynewyork7918]

If you don't love running then WHY do you do it ???? There is swimming and cycling and other ways to stay in shape if you don't love running.

[@jwhite-uq8vd]

These are real tips for the average /majority runner! Thank you for keeping it real.

[@meganchabot]

Doing NYC in November! My first ever one! ❤

[@brianhapeman9262]

You’ll be awesome! It’s such an incredible feeling when you cross that finish line. Go get it!

[@jessicaberens5099]

Me too!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I'll be there cheering! It will be magical

[@Bryan-rl2ik]

As a slow ass runner this helps me so much. Marathon is on my list for 2024. 2023 are my first halfs

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I'm glad it could help!

[@JoeEller]

Thank you for these tips!! I am running my first marathon in 2024 and feeling all the emotions!! also, the set up of this video is giving blues clues in the best way 😂😂❤❤

[@jessicaberens5099]

Thank you for this video. NYC on November 5th will be my first marathon... Goal is to finish but would love sub 6. Love the tips and Amen to the KT tape bra line! Glad to see you back on KZbin

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

You got this! Enjoy what you can and push through the rest like you've done in training :)

[@benstevens1718]

Great TED Talk, Erin! Long runs are like an overthinker's greatest science experiment. What pre-run food works, what fuel works, what clothing works, what breathing pattern works, what running form works etc. The sooner you start experimenting, the more in control you will feel. SUPER IMPORTANT TIP: Learn how to minimise the need for toilet stops. It makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. The biggest immediate win I had was drinking a 1000mg electrolyte solution when I woke up. Could get through my long run with ZERO concerns.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Great tip! def something to work on.

[@FatpackingSmitty]

These definitely cross boundaries with many endurance sports. I've got a 22 km ruck event coming up, but have done marathon distances as well. Specifically for those I love liner socks and wool socks (Smart Wool or Darn Tough), and pretaping common blister spots with KT Tape.

[@chwasmus]

These are some great tips! Thanks Erin!!!

[@leighstewart3223]

I appreciate you so much! These tips are so helpful and the emotional roller coaster really hit home.

[@InfiniteQuest86]

Yeah all of this is SO true. Such a great list! Even at 3 hours (which is absurdly fast), you are still running for 3 Fing hours. It all still applies. You're gonna be out there all day no matter what. Treat it with respect.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Very true!

[@alexlorenz7]

Such a good video Erin!! You have so much valuable experience to share!

[@hollyw378]

I'm so happy you're back! 🤗 You're just a ray of sunshine!

[@arielleleverett1377]

This is great! I'm about to run my 2nd marathon and all these tips are good reminders! One thing that worked for me was to think of the race as a chill Sunday run until like mile 20, then I started to play around with increasing my pace.

[@migsarah7313]

I love this. I’m training for my first one in January and I appreciate all the tips ❤

[@ym6722]

I plan to run my first marathon early next year at the age of 63. If I feel ready I will try one later in the year, but in Texas it's awful hot to train in the summer. I am a run/walker and slow. I am so glad to get the tips that are for us slower paced runners. I plan to wear a t-shirt that reads "I'm not slow, just getting my monies worth" or something like that. Maybe "I'm not slow, I rented this course by the hour". Thanks for the video!!! Oh and I am not new to running but have not run past half marathons.

[@Camillemonade]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!

[@mayumic.6715]

I'm an anomaly, and KT tape won't stick to my skin unfortunately 😢. BodyGlide or TriSlide usually does the trick. I would mention another tip: honor your URGES and address them immediately. Erin covered the bit about hydration and food. But also, if you feel the need to go poop even a little bit, find a portapotty IMMEDIATELY (or if on a trail race, find a private spot ASAP!). Delaying the inevitable just to "try" to save time just makes you feel ickier the rest of the race. The only exception, maybe, is if the portapotty line is ridiculous and you know for sure there's another one within a mile. But don't hold it 5+ miles or believe that the urge would simply disappear. Also, if you have a weak pelvic floor like me, invest in pee undies and trial them out on long runs. (You could wear an adult pee pad, but you may risk chafing). Thanks, Erin for your great tips. I've got many marathons under my belt but have my first trail/mountain ultra coming up in a few weeks and will be in the elements for several hours and so these are great reminders for how to prepare. Fortunately, they do allow (in fact, require) us to carry our own "aid stations" (hydro-packs) on our backs!

[@Rachellefker]

I love the pee undies too - they are a game changer!!

[@JoeFleegel]

Set aside time to get in a good poop before you leave your room for the starting line.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

important advice! Thanks for adding

[@serena8991]

Thank you for all the tips, I’m running first half in a few weeks and I’m excited and so nervous but these tios helped! My tip is write down all the things you need to pack to hotel and day of race so it will ease your mind!

[@janne2163]

This was a great video!! Thank you

[@csrunner6296]

Awesome tips! One is add is if possible try to run some of the course in training. My last marathon was local so I ran the last 10 miles a few times and it really helped have that mental picture of how much was left when I wasn’t feeling good.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

This is a great tip if it's an option!

[@talahui]

When I jumped into trail running/ultra running, I found that so many of the tips and tricks were more relevant than many of the marathoning ones I'd run into when training for my first road marathon. You're one of the few back of the pack road runners I've encountered, and it's nice to get both road and trail perspective on tackling these distances. One thing I did was put time on feet hiking so that I knew I could be out there that long. Similarly, I'll be doing my first 24 hour race in a couple of months, and it has helped me mentally to know that I've done 24 hour hikes already. ALSO shorter races are still lots of fun (personally, I love a half-marthon distance because I don't have to do much more on top of my base training). A lot of new runners jump right into training for a marathon, but you can find some incredible races at shorter distances that don't require the same time commitment. & don't sleep on trail running/races -- they have built in walking breaks :)

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Interesting! Good luck on your 24hr race! Sounds like you're ready!

[@thomasaussem29]

I just ran my 4th marathon, Donna Foundation marathon in Jacksonville Beach. Took 5:22:30 -- which was my best time. Thank You appreciate your viewpoint. Took 2:32:35 to do a half marathon 10 days ago.

[@Heidi_Huntley]

Fighting the nerves :). Running my first next month (Charlotte). Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

You're so welcome! Enjoy the experience!

[@Mollyl]

Can’t tell you how valuable your content is to me ❤

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

And your comment is valuable to me :)

[@graceheppner4903]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! perfect timing as I get ready to run Chicago this weekend. My nerves, stress and anxiety are all collecting and this helped me so so so much. ❤️

[@donnajean72]

Best wishes!

[@Rachellefker]

Me too!! Good luck! ~starting in wave 3 -corral M!

[@graceheppner4903]

@@Rachellefker I’m in wave 3 corral k! See you out there, hope you have an amazing race :)

[@Rachellefker]

You too!!! 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I'm so glad it could help! Enjoy the experience. You picked a great marathon :)

[@Johnnydodgin]

Great video Erin! Good to see you finally using your studio that Dan built waaaaay back 😅 Also lovin’ the Regan head from Boston Marathon! 🤓🙌

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

haha long time coming! And i love that you knew about the regan head :)

[@susanatorres136]

Love this! Thank you so much for calming my anxiety. This Sunday is my second Chicago marathon (last year was my first) and for some reason the anxiety is worse this year. Thank you for sharing all this info ❤

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

How'd it go??

[@tarahankins5566]

This was so good. I’m not training for a marathon, but I did commit to a Spartan race this weekend which I am just kicking myself for because I don’t feel well prepared. But I will hopefully use your tips when I train for a 5k 😉

[@RunningToMyPast]

Didn't know a lot of things you mentioned like the rules on bringing a hydration vest so thank you for that!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Your welcome! It's definitely work reading through them

[@jenreaugh9856]

Tips are 100% spot on! Also, I like to have a pair of comfortable flip flops to wear after the race. So, change of clothes/shoes for afterwards, something really comfortable.

[@peejayterrado418]

Thanks so much Erin for this wonderful video! Just what I needed days before running Chicago this weekend! I appreaciate all the info you provided. More power and hopefully to see you in one of the races along the way! Cheers!

[@brianhapeman9262]

Will it be your first one?

[@Rachellefker]

see you in Chicago! Good luck!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

You will love it! Such a cool experience and Chicago marathon is very efficient with how everything is set up and planned. Enjoy!

[@peejayterrado418]

@@brianhapeman9262 First Chicago marathon! and I say this one is really memorable. The weather, the wonderful crowd, the new world record set! Cant ask for more!..well maybe a fellow runner who cut me off and stepped on my foot while he's filming to get to the water station should be a bit more mindful LOL!

[@leslierobbins5835]

I’m running a half this weekend (yay Nationwide Children’s!). Thank you for cheering me on! I really appreciate the normalization of all the feelings that happen throughout the race. And that’s a great tip to wait to use music until needed. We appreciate you being there for us!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I hope your half went well!

[@user-gj9bs8pl5u]

I’m running my Chicago marathon this Sunday! It’s my 1st and these are ALL SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you!!!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I'm so glad! Enjoy the experience! You will be in a sea of first time marathoners so don't feel alone :)

[@Bwebber99]

Really good video, the nothing new on race day try cream or tape for those sensitive areas, fuelling test the gels they can give you an energy boost then set your watch as a reminder, and have fun but not too much until the end. Train and know your pace

[@teetertotter5787]

Excellent tips. Thank you. The thing about emotions will pass - SO accurate. Also those posters that say "Hit here for POWER" actually work!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

They sure do!

[@nathaniel23946]

Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤🙏🏼

[@sherryelebeauty]

This was a great video!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Thank you!

[@ellenrempel2082]

I’m going to try that tip with the music if I can talk myself into running another half marathon!! I’m looking back I had totally tuned it out by the end when I was miserable haha.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Let me know if you do!

[@matthiassventoest6800]

great stuff

[@sarakent52]

I just ran my first this past weekend! You are 100% bang on!! So many emotions during the run hahaha

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

congrats on your first marathon! I hope it went well :)

[@sarakent52]

@MrsSpaceCadet thank you! Thr first half was amazing! The second half was when Mother Nature decided we were running on the threshold of hell and cranked the heat 😆 It wasn't pretty! But I finished so it's a win!

[@marykistler331]

Great tips! There are some that I’ve never thought of before- like the kt tape on the chafing areas. 🤯 You kinda make me want to find a marathon to train for. My 1st and only was….not the best- not bad bc I finished, but I’d like a chance to do better.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Start training for your redemption marathon :)

[@marykistler331]

@@MrsSpaceCadet ….I think you’re right….its time. Now to find a good one to sign up for. 😊 Are you going to do one?!?!

[@teresapatrick1230]

Don’t have anything new to add since you covered it all! The one about music is one I will definitely try during my next half! Thanks!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

awesome! let me know if it helps you!

[@MaloIQ]

Thank you so much for this video!!!!! My first marathon is next Saturday and this was SO helpful. I watched your NYC video and it was so inspiring. I'm slow and my biggest fear is being left completely alone on the course for miles and miles. 🤣 I've done several half marathons exactly like that because I'm SLOW. 🐢 😂 This video made me feel so much better though. And can we talk about tapering? It's making me insane. 🤪

[@laurenrogers3741]

Just saw your tiktok and headed right over!❤

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

welcome!

[@amygenge7087]

I wished i had heard this last week! I just finished my first on Sunday. It was HOT and I hit a hard wall. I was listening to music from the start and was over it when I hit the wall - I wish I had known your tip to wait and turn it on for energy later - what an amazing idea!!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Oh i wish you could have known that one! At least you have it for next time :)

[@robinstevenson9895]

Bonking tip- when I started to ‘hit the wall’ I found a pacer group to tag along with and just didn’t let them go the little push really helped get to me through that and to the fun side

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

this is a great tip!

[@mariheaton9261]

I'm not a runner but I love all your content! (I'm a competitive Irish dancer.) Question for all the marathon runners: what do you do if you have to go to the bathroom during the race?

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

There are portapotties along the course and I've seen people jut off into the woods in an emergency

[@janmoeyaert9011]

Excellent advice, thank you! One more worry I have, is this: when out running for 5-6 hours, there will be bathroom stops needed, right? How does that work? (I’m training for my first marathon)

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

It depends on the marathon, but larger ones like Chicago and NYC have porta potties along the route. It should be specified on your marathons info page :)

[@sarastone8910]

My husband and I are running the Madison marathon in November for our 10 year anniversary! These are all great tips. I personally like to eat some “real” food since I’m out there longer than some ultra runners. I’ll be bringing some of my kids’ applesauce pouches and uncrustables for when the gus stop working for me.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

uncrustables good idea!

[@brianhapeman9262]

I like to remind myself that we slower runners suffer the longest and are therefore tougher than fast runners. 😁 (Totally not true, fast runners suffer too, but I still “believe” it)

[@janeenright8450]

What should your longest training run be (time wise or distance wise) when you are aiming for a 5/6 hour marathon?

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

Depends on how you've been training. My longest runs have been anywhere from 16-20 miles but some people base it off of time.

[@kerry_runs]

Any tips for getting into Chicago and NYC?

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I went the charity route. Compared to Boston, the fundraising is more doable.

[@hermeticallysealed]

great music advice erin save HERE COMES THE BOOM for the last 5k

[@dri1811ya]

-For slower dudes: KT Tape to cover nipples. Works much better than Vaseline -Chafing on the crotchal areas: some people use Vaseline, I find that it gets itchy when I sweat. Baby powder works better for me. if you're still on the course 5+ hours, most people are going to be walking. It is what it is, better accept it ahead of time. Music- I'd leave the earphones at home, just have conversations with other runners.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

great additions! thank you :)

[@melissadiaz8204]

Any bathroom race advice?

[@karenanderson3895]

Kinda gross, but I suffer with IBSD and race day can cause anxiety which aggravates my stomach. On race morning I take an Imodium. There are usually porta potties along the route.

[@marcy07067]

I was just about to say the same thing! I take an Immodium on race day. And because we're out there so long I literally have 13 GUs with me yep 13, one every 2 miles. The advice about the music is so spot-on, in fact a lot of the songs that really get me pumped up I don't listen to them a lot before the marathon... Because they lose their pumping up effectiveness. Great video Erin!!!

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

I've heard a lot of people take imodium and also bring some toilet paper in case the potties run out

[@shrimppop]

+1 for KT tape (nipple tape!)

[@justalittledangerous]

Also if you are a slow runner, you will start later. So you may need an extra full meal. I did NYC and ate breakfast at 5am. Didn’t start running until 12. Shouldve brought a second breakfast but didn’t think and was STARVING by the time I started which made everything so much worse

[@justalittledangerous]

Also put tape on your chest and write ur name on it so people cheer!

[@justalittledangerous]

The queensboro bridge is 100% a walking scenario.

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

thank you for adding great advice!

[@AM2011Canuck]

I thought they had food at the waiting area?

[@mapleridge8]

Time for #4?

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

It feels like it haha!

[@stephencostello1296]

I don't have a bra and guys,, the running with Jane channel is one of the best on KZbin out there for everything,, long distance and of course marathon. Thanks for your video but no thanks 🙏

[@paigeknickerbocker8335]

Me watching this as if I’m not just running a 5k tomorrow

[@MrsSpaceCadet]

That can feel like a marathon sometimes

[@paigeknickerbocker8335]

@@MrsSpaceCadet THANKFULLY it was one of my best feeling runs to date! Certainly wasn't easy but I lucked out with how my body was feeling that day!