How to prepare for a Marathon — Things I Love For You

In 2024 at 50 I am attempting to run my first marathon. Crazy right ! Absolutely on idea if I am capable of running that far but I am going to give it a good go. As my bestie said to me it’s not about the time it is all about finishing and getting that medal ! Easy right ! So how do you prepare for such a huge milestone.

Before You Begin

Getting the body ready, so miles on feet will be key. Lots of different types of runs, easy, tempo, intervals and pyramid. The more miles you do the more you learn about yourself and you can adjust your training as the weeks go on.

Tools You’ll Need: The Kit

What to wear
How to train
The Tech

1 —

Trainers

People say go get your running gate assessed, I say wear the trainers you love. I have Hoka’s and they are like running on air, there are different models depending on the type and length of runs you are doing. It is worth speaking to someone and get a recommendation of the best shoe that suit your needs.
I have the Hoka X in green of course. I love them, they feel super bouncy with a lot of cushioning underneath. I would say it is a good idea to go up a full size to allow for your feet to swell especially on long runs. I learnt the hard way this year with my older Hoka’s where I only sized up by half a size and due to the heat and swollen toes I lost all my toes nails on both feet. Epic fail on my part ! We live and learn.

2 —

Running Vest

The running vest has become very popular especially on Tik Tok, young fit running influencers showing off their long or slow runs all wearing the Solomon running vest. I must say I wasn’t sure about them, but I need something to carry all my bits on a long run, phone, AirPods, lip balm, gels, sweets, tissuess (am I the only girly who’s nose runs while running no pun intended). So I invested in one especially made for women rather than going for a Unisex one, it fits nicely over my boobies. It is so comfortable to wear and had loads of pockets it is easily adjustable so you get a good fit. It comes with two soft flasks, I fill one with water and the other with a carbohydrate drink. It’s an investment but in my humble option worth it.

3 —

Training App

There are so many available I think it honestly comes down to personal preference and what tech you have already invested in. I have an Apple Watch and before I got a bit serious with running I always used the activity app on my watch, you can set by time, distance or pace so it has lots of options. I now use the pacing feature on all my runs it is particularly brilliant if you are doing tempo or pyramid runs. With a marathon fast approaching I am currently using the Runna app. What I love about this app is you set your target, distance or date of a race and it basically builds the training plan for you. It takes the hard work out of planning your training. You decide what days and how many days a week you can run and it builds your schedule right up to race day. Job Done, just need to run it now…

4 —

Hydration

Again this is down to personal preference but I like the SIS Hydro tablets I drop one into my hydration flask and I am good to go.
I also use the gels, recommendation is one every 30 mins but again test during training we are all different.

This is what works for me, hope you enjoyed reading. Check out my post about my favourite workout gear, all my tired and tested favourites x

How to prepare for a Marathon