Jason Loebig: 5 Tips for Entering Your First Marathon

Interested in running your first marathon but not sure where to start? Let's be honest, running in general can bring a lot of mixed emotion between excitement and fear. In this article, we're diving into the basics of marathon running and getting advice from Jason Loebig, one of our AstroFlav trainers and running experts. Jason shares five practical tips for anyone gearing up for their first marathon. Whether you're a novice runner or aiming to improve your race strategy, having a solid plan can set you up for success on race day. Let's explore Jason's insights and learn how to tackle your first marathon with confidence!

Marathon Training:

Marathon running is more than just covering 26.2 miles; it's a test of endurance, determination, and mental strength. As you embark on this challenging journey, strategic planning is essential to ensure a successful race day experience. Preparation involves not only physical training but also mental readiness and a well-thought-out race strategy.

Approaching marathon training with an open mind allows you to adapt to challenges and adjust your plan as needed. Don't hesitate to seek help from experienced runners, coaches, or training programs to guide you along the way. Additionally, taking recovery seriously is crucial to prevent injuries and maintain peak performance.

By strategically planning, preparing diligently, and running with confidence, you can maximize your potential and achieve your marathon goals. Keep scrolling for 5 marathon training tips from Jason Loebig, an expert marathon runner himself!

5 Tips For Your First Marathon:

1. Follow a Plan/ Hire a Coach

   The most important part of getting to marathon race day healthy is having a plan to do so effectively (read: safely). As the training mileage ramps up in volume, having a plan to follow or a coach to check in with becomes so valuable. There are great resources available to assist with everything from goal setting, pacing, equipment, nutrition, strength and cross training, stretching and mobility, race strategy, and mindset. Asking for help is the best way to make it a successful experience.

   
   

2. Be Disciplined On Your Recovery

   Recovery needs to be prioritized early and often. The two most important factors are sleep and nutrition, which tend to be overlooked in place of foam rolling, stretching, or popular modalities like contrast therapy. When the mileage increases, it’s hard to play catch up. Practicing good discipline here early in training makes it easy to be consistent closer to race day.

   
   

3. Make It Social

   Join a run group, run with a coach, or invite runner friends out with you. It’s really helpful to run with people who have marathon experience. They can support your long runs, help you achieve better pacing, share tips, and ultimately make your harder runs more enjoyable. The running community is growing so quickly; it’s also a great way to form new, lifelong friendships.

4. Practice your nutrition

One of the biggest mistakes I see new runners make is introducing new foods too close to marathon day (or not practicing long run nutrition at all). You’re responsible for two pieces of nutrition: Run (”performance”) Nutrition and Everyday (”lifestyle”) Nutrition. The first is what you eat to help you perform during runs (e.g., gels, carbohydrate drinks, bananas, etc) and the second is what you eat to maintain a healthy body on a daily basis, especially in terms of recovery from training. Both should be practiced throughout your marathon training journey as to avoid GI issues and maximize your potential for a great race.

5. Have fun!

Running a marathon is the best “city tour” you can’t pay for. You have to earn it. It’s a long, difficult race, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the hard work you’ve put in during training. Race day is a celebration of all your effort; have some fun!

Summary

To prepare effectively for marathon race day, it's crucial to have a well-structured plan or enlist the guidance of a coach. These tips from Jason offer valuable support in setting goals, managing training volume, optimizing nutrition, and honing race strategy.

Prioritizing recovery through adequate sleep and nutrition is essential for staying healthy throughout training and avoiding burnout. Making training social by joining a run group or running with experienced friends fosters camaraderie and provides valuable support during long runs. Practicing nutrition strategies, both for performance during runs and everyday health, ensures optimal fueling and minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal issues on race day.

Finally, remember to have fun! Embrace the marathon journey as a rewarding experience and celebrate your hard work on race day.