TELL US WHAT YOU THINK....
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RW is working on a story and we'd like your help. Here's what we want to know:

Q: What are your best tips and tricks for marathon training?

It could be anything from "It makes it easier for me to think of a long run in terms of number of hours, not in terms of kilometres," or "One thing that helped me in training for my first marathon was investing in a fortnightly massage."

Just leave your responses in the Comments section of this blog, below.
Remember: Please include your first and last name, age, and city and state of residence.

Thanks in advance for your contributions!

-The editor of Runner’s World

 
Comments
Posted by David Casey at 27/03/2009 04:51 PM
Don't forget your speed sessions, a quick marathon is better then a slow one!
Posted by andrew watson 38 brisbane QLD at 29/03/2009 11:44 AM
If you can, train with a group. I have trained for marathons both by myself and with a group, and i have found a group helps not only with motivation but the friendship and camaraderie makes it just that bit more special - andrew watson, 38, QLD
Posted by Steve Calacouras, 30, Sydney NSW at 30/03/2009 10:24 PM
Break up the running training with something else like boxing. It keeps your legs fresh and gives you a chance to enjoy something other than pounding the pavement day after day.
Posted by Glyn Yates at 01/04/2009 04:12 PM
Make sure you train on grass or any other softer surface - my knees will never be the same again
Posted by Angela, Tokyo Japan at 01/04/2009 04:14 PM
Visualize...every hard training run, take a mental snapshot of your successful performance and use that collection of positive visuals during your marathon from the 32 km mark to the end.
Posted by Michael Puckridge ACT at 01/04/2009 04:19 PM
Runners Glide, Toe Socks, Hydration, No Cotton, Train on Trails (easier on the feet), Train on Hills, Epsom Salt baths after long runs oh and spend what you need on good shoes that suit your feet.
Posted by Jean Molloy at 01/04/2009 04:28 PM
Do water drops the night before long runs. It seems like a lot of effort at the time but definitely worth it you're dehydtated but you know that water is closeby.
Posted by Geoff Hall at 01/04/2009 04:29 PM
During the event wear a cap or visor. On long straight stretches pull the peak down so you don't look too far ahead. Long streatches late in the race can be mentally draining. Additionally you can write something motivational on the underside of the peak like "Don't walk" and read that when it get tough.
Posted by Shane Potter at 01/04/2009 04:35 PM
My advice for a first time marathon runner is to take in as much knowledge and advice as you can - then filter it to what works for you. I changed shoes half way through training based on advice which was to my detriment. Also train rain hail or shine. My first marathon was in Spring on an unseasonable 30 degree day. And enjoy the experience - you may never do it again!
Posted by Jill Naidoo-Lees at 01/04/2009 04:37 PM
Make sure at least one of your runs is about 42kms, so you understand what the distance feels like.
Posted by Tony Miller at 01/04/2009 04:44 PM
I am a slow runner - four hours plus for a marathon so training sessions are long and usually I am by myself. I break it up by setting up drink stations about every 4-5k, often on a large loop course and by making sure that fluid intake is good right from the start. I always have a sensible meal before the very long runs as well.
Posted by Kim at 01/04/2009 04:47 PM
The key to marathon training is to build up gradually, any overdoing it will result in injury and it's just not worth it! Stick to a training plan, cross train once a week and have a rest day and you will not go far wrong!
Posted by liz russell at 01/04/2009 04:52 PM
my best tip is to have a plan and stick to it as much as possible - there may be times when a run might be missed but it helps to keep me focussed
Posted by Daryl Standfield at 01/04/2009 04:58 PM
Might sound wierd, and I have only run two full marathons -(being a late convert to the addiction that is running.) However, I loved having talking books on my ipod...I would get totally lost in a book whilst on the long runs. Nothing like listening to Nelson Mandella's autobiography to inspire you on those long days....
Posted by Allan Wareham at 01/04/2009 10:13 PM
Your marathon diet is key: before, during and after. #1: Reduce your fibre intake. #2: Check yourself for possible gluten-intolerance or lactose-intolerance. I avoid meat, dairy and gluten foods for several days beforehand. I avoid pasta unless it is gluten-free. Boiled rice works best. #3: Eat something 2-3 hours before but make sure it will be fully digested by race time. #4: Make sure you've tested your preferred diet in training. #5: Try one Gu every hour to see if it works for you. #6: Without mentioning brand names there are some sports drinks that I avoid and that cause my upset stomach. Again you must check this out to see what works for you. #7: After the race try to take in some carbohydrates soon after finishing (the experts say within 20 minutes). This helps restore the glycogen stores quicker and get you back on track sooner. Ripe bananas work for me. Avoid green bananas at all times.
Posted by Terry Rose 57 Sydney NSW at 02/04/2009 04:54 AM
One long run a week Sunday the best day. That gives a good base for rest of the week. Some weeks I would run 160kms a week. Try and run in a group which is better for you. A 10kms race on Saturday that helps. Also cross country races helps alot.I finished 38 marathons now I only run fun runs around Sydney which I enjoy.I will say do not over train.
Posted by Angeline Wehbe at 02/04/2009 05:53 AM
Whatever you do, do not blow it during the first half. Otherwise you will suffer during the second half.
Posted by Jodi Ditterich at 02/04/2009 08:10 AM
On your long run days get them over with early morning, then head out again for 15-20minutes later that same afternoon, it gives you a sense of what its like to run on tired legs and on race day it seems to help. 35, Vic
Posted by Lesley Hurley at 02/04/2009 09:20 AM
In the peak of my marathon training I had a sports massage once per week. Every long run I did, I imagined I was running the marathon and it gave me the inspiration and motivation to keep going week after week and enjoy it.
Posted by Scott Giffen at 02/04/2009 09:28 AM
Training for busy people solution: I run home from work (15km) once a week - it's not much difference timewise than catching the train/driving (extra 25 mins), so it's a good way to squeeze in the kms during the week!
Posted by Sam Costello at 02/04/2009 09:59 AM
Don't do any junk miles! Only do proper runs, every second day, and get plenty of rest.
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