How to prep for a Marathon
In 2024 at 50 I am attempting to run my first marathon. Crazy right ! Absolutely no 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
Hoka Mach X
People say go get your running gate assessed, I say wear the trainers you love. I have Hoka’s, they are like running on air. There are different choices 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. If you are in London visit the Hoka store in Covent Garden, brilliant selection and the staff are super helpful.
I have the Hoka Mach 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 lately when I ran the London Royal Parks Half Marathon 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
Salomon running vest
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 getting one, but I need something to carry all my bits on a long run, phone, AirPods, lip balm, gels, sweets, tissues (am I the only girly who’s nose runs while running, no pun intended). So I invested in one specially made for women, rather than going for a Unisex one, it fits nicely over my boobies. It is so comfortable to wear and has 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
Runna App
There are so many apps available so 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 the 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