How To Run A Marathon - Everything You Need To Know

Are you thinking about doing your first marathon but struggling to know where to start? In this video, we go through everything you need to know about getting started with your training and how to use your time well so that you’re ready for your first marathon! 🏃

0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Where to start
2:42 - What does the training look like?
4:00 - When should you enter the marathon?
5:34 - Staying motivated
6:24 - Doing the distance
8:10 - Things to consider

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Will you be doing a marathon this year? 🤔 Let us know in the comment section below! 💬

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[chrisstrider]

It’s incredible how the energy of the event carries you through

[MrStoofpotje]

This is brilliant, thanks. Got my first Marathon in April. I’m 45 and haven’t ventured beyond a half-marathon yet.

[ClubmanGT]

Some fantastic, practical advice. Most videos are far too complicated and discourage us from even trying for that distance. It takes months to build up your distances. I’ve managed to run a number of half marathons now. Never thought it was possible and especially only since I’ve turned 50. My next goal is to aim for a full marathon. Don’t know how long it will take but I’ll get there.

[sergzthethanos]

Honestly motivation plays a huge factor and same with the energy of the event. I thought I was gonna walk a few times during mine ended up doing it in sub 4 hours

[djordjenjegic]

Participated in the Belgrade Marathon this past weekend. My first one ever and keep in mind I may not be the one to give out advice, but one conclusion i can take from it is STAY ON TOP OF YOUR NUTRITION. Coming from a backround of doing mainly half distance triathlons, and half marathons I didn’t think it would be a much of a problem. I WAS SO WRONG. It started off great, I came in at half mark point at around 1h20mins having only had about 2 gels (~55g of carbs) and things were going perfectly according to my pacing plan, then at around km 27/8 it hit me like a brick wall. It was hell from then on and i finished with a final time of 3h4mins and 31sec. Had I payed more attention to my nutrition i could have finished in under 2h50 for certain.Dont neglect or underestimate how many calories your body need to function properly whilst running 42km

[paulvinten]

Training for my first marathon coming in august.

Enjoying it so far, the hardest thing is managing the time so I still have a life

[oliverc]

Did a half on Thursday. Z2 training run, about 1hr 55mins. Announced afterwards that I would never want to do a marathon. Turns out that wasn't a very firmly held belief, because I think this video has convinced me!

[RaquelFloris]

Thank you. My first marathon is in 12 weeks, the Sanlam Cape Town marathon. Ive run 4 half marathons this year already. I was considering doing a different marathon prior to the real one as training but your advice of not doing more than 32km saved me. Thanks. Looking forward to my first marathon.

[_Zabamund_]

My first marathon is in three weeks! 😊 The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money against MND! Starting our taper tomorrow at last as have been training since December, I hope we'll see some GTN fans in Leeds too.

[Qetulio]

Done some Halfmarathons. Signed up for my first Marathon April 2024 in Hamburg (Germany) and this video will be my Go to vid on youtube, because it meantioned the exact things i worried before, Like Motivation and the time leading to the Event.
Thanks for that 😊

[PeterCartwright-gkoz]

Personally I would have included some 'real life' video shots of people 'running' the latter stages of a marathon - ie walking! It is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about and, if we are honest, is what gets most of the "mid/back of the back" to the finish line.

[smpergumby]

I've got my first marathon in October, the Marine Corps Marathon! Just ran my first 13 mi trail race on Saturday, I'm looking forward to something a bit flatter!

[WarisAli-dnli]

I can't thank you enough, my first marathon is in 8 weeks. I was making some of the mistakes you talked about. I'm so glad i found this video!

[elwindewitte]

Going for the marathon in Rotterdam in April 2024! Never ran before, so lots to learn and prepare, but so far it has felt good and I feel like I've found a sport I genuinely enjoy ❤

[SBoots]

I am not doing a marathon and admire people who do that type of race. I am competing in 3 Olympic distance Triathlons this year and wondering If I am gone absolute crazy. The take away from this video is when training not to do the race before its time in the training. I can only trust the process and have fun on the day. Cheers

[miltonng]

Just finished my first marathon yesterday
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2023

100% agree with everything said in the video especially the training requirements

Look at completing at least 30km twice a week for a month before your big race

And you should be working your fitness level towards being able to complete 30km twice a week

[SubtleForces]

There are take-outs even for me, despite the the fact that I am only planning a half in September. My intermediate scheduled goals is a 10k PB in July. In terms of volume, I find it reassuring. I am at 25-30 (sometimes 35) k per week. If 50 is enough for a full, increasing to 35-40 should be realistic enough and good for a half even though some web-sites consider this too little. As for the long run, it's my understanding that for a half marathon, unlike for a marathon, going the full distance during long runs is actually recommended, but I have a few months to settle that debate as my long runs are currently in the 10k range.

[Faizan-qcni]

You guys are fabulous, thank for the tips. Condensed and precise, as always.

[angelfdeath]

Well timed video, aiming to do my first in October

[raginaldmars]

MY First Mara Thon was Horror
as I had unbearable lower back PAIN
took me a Year lower back training
POSTURE!!!!
2 nd Mara Thon was excellent
no Pain
FUN!