13 Tips to a Strong First Marathon

There's nothing in the world like running your first marathon. It's filled with the mystery of a great novel and the nerves of your first day of school. Or as my family once told me, "that's a long way to drive in your car, let alone run!"

The key to running a strong first marathon is to remember the three "P's": Preparedness, Patience and Perseverance.

Here are 13 tips to help you run your best first marathon.


1) How to Pick the Right Training Plan — For You

Developing a training plan for your first half marathon is no easy task. Even veteran runners need a schedule to prepare for race day.

2) Weekly Long Runs: Get Your Body Ready for Race Day

Weekly long distance runs are essential to preparing your body for the endurance it will need on race day. 

3) Hill Training: Why It Works, Why It Pays Off

Whether or your race course is hilly or not, adding hill workouts to your training plan will pay off.

4) Why Cross Training Is Great for Runners

Staying active with other athletic pursuits while training keeps you fitter and helps avoid burnout.

5) Tapering: What Is It, How Does It Help?

Drawing down your training mileage in the last few weeks can help ensure you have the energy you need on race day.

6) Nutrition: The Other Half of Your Training Plan

Fueling your body for 13.1 miles requires thinking ahead. Not only on race day, but throughout your training program. 

7) Staying Hydrated: Why You Need to Do It

The best way to stay hydrated is unique to every runner, both before and during your training runs.

8) Running Apps & Tech Gear — What to Use

Advances in electronics and clothing over the past few years that have made running better than ever before.

9) Rest & Sleep: How It Makes You a Better Runner

Rest is just as important as running while training for a half marathon — for better and faster recovery.

10) Running Injuries: How to Handle (& Prevent) Them

Injuries can turn happy runners into miserable ones when they are forced to take days, weeks, or even months away from running.

11) Speed Work to Improve Your Time

Training for speed isn’t required, but it can help you improve your time on race day and feel stronger during your runs.

12) Weather: How to Train When It’s Hot (or Cold) 

Depending on where you live, weather can be a help or a hindrance to your running and training.

13.1) How to Prepare For Your First Race Day

What will the day of the race be like? Where will you store your gear, and where can you go to the bathroom?