So, you’ve committed to it – you’re going to be running your very first marathon. You’ve decided to push yourself and try out the ultimate experience that all running enthusiasts aspire to. A marathon is typically one of the biggest highlights in their life. However, it is also one of the biggest physical challenges you will also ever experience, which is why you’ll need to take on a strict training schedule to hit your fitness goals and make it to the end of the race.

If you’re keen to train for a marathon in the near future, we have some top tips that you may like to keep in mind:

Choose a training plan

To get yourself fit and raring to go, it’s likely you’ll need to follow a specific training plan to prepare you for the intensity and duration of the run. However, with a little self-determination and a strict approach, you could train yourself by running around the block at a steady pace and timing yourself. It’s important that whatever training plan you choose is enjoyable so that you stick to it to increase your stamina for long runs.

Don’t get too intense too soon

You’ll likely be keen to push yourself to the limit in the first few running sessions; however, it would be best to build endurance slowly until you reach your desired pace. A marathon includes several varieties of running; therefore, it’s wise to start off slow before running at full capacity to get used to the different paces throughout the race. When practicing your long runs – know your limits. If you go too far, you may struggle to recover, which can hinder your training and risk starting the marathon already exhausted. Pace yourself leading up to race day to prevent burning out.

Wear a compression sleeve

During intense training, your leg muscles are likely to suffer from muscle fatigue and stress. With this in mind, you would benefit from using a calf support sleeve, which can prevent injury and even aids the rest and recovery process in between training so you can get back to exercising in quick time. What’s more, it can also help repair mild muscle injuries, such as shin splints, which may occur during training.

Get enough sleep

Everyone needs enough sleep to function the following day, but this is especially important for individuals who take on intensive exercise. Without getting enough rest, your body won’t be able to recover which may hinder your progress. For many, it’s often easier said than done to enjoy uninterrupted sleep; however, there are ways you can improve sleep quality, such as limiting screen use a few hours before bed and ensuring your bedroom is calm and at a cool temperature to stimulate relaxation.

Get yourself in a positive state of mind

Your first marathon can be an extremely nerve-wracking concept, and it’s normal to experience self-doubt and anxiety in the days leading up to the event. Try and stay as calm as possible to avoid wasting valuable energy through performing positive self-talk and medication practices.