10 things to know before running a marathon

It isn't easy, but it's always worth it. Hope you enjoyed!

(Pay no attention to my fluffy hair at the moment. I know I'm a mess.)

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Instagram: @hannahpriceperformer

[steveharris]

These are pretty good tips.

I would elaborate and say the following:

1. If you are running over an hour make sure you bring enough fluids to drink on your training run. This is so important. Most big running events will have plenty of aid stations so you usually don't need to take fluids with you. But check the website of the event because I've been surprised before at how few aid stations there were on some marathon courses.

2. Use a petrolatum based product for chafing (Body Glide in U.S.). I apply all over my feet (even in between my toes), my armpits, nipples, around my waist line, and all my groin folds because that's where I chafe the most often.

3. Try to poop, before your run. She was wrong about this. Your digestive system (and kidneys) actually slow down when you run a marathon. The body redirects blood flow to the muscles which need help more than the digestive tract. What she is referring to is called dumping syndrome. It is where your body is trying to get rid of something that doesn't agree with it due to your excessive activity. For this reason be very mindful of what you eat within the 24 hrs leading up to your long run. Skip the Taco Bell and stick with carbs such as breads, pasta in marinara, fruits, veggies, no fried food ( you can have that after 😃). Either way test different foods to see what your body can handle during your long runs.

Just as important, find out what you can eat during the run itself. When I first started using GU, I had some stomach cramping during a long training run. My body did get used to them though. I also eat pretzels and gummy bears during really long runs.

4. No matter how much you train, your body will still take a beating when you run a marathon. Expect to ache all over. It is not uncommon to run a low-grade fever the rest of the day. Your body is having an inflammatory response, which is okay. Only reach for the ibuprofen if you absolutely have to. You need to let your body repair itself. Just take it easy for a few days and get plenty of rest. If you need to resume training, I would wait at least 3-5 days before doing so.

5. After your long run, make sure you replace lost nutrients and rehydrate as soon as possible. It is not uncommon to lose 2-5 percent of your body weight during a marathon. Drink a sports drink, chocolate milk is good too, eat a banana, carbohydrates, really anything goes. Immediately after the marathon you may not feel like eating but you need to try to eat something. A few hours later you will probably develop a ravenous hunger. This is what she was talking about when you want to eat everything. I would say have one big meal, then go back to your regular diet. But really, it is most important to replace the lost fluid volume.

Running a marathon is really hard. Make sure you train (A LOT) for it and don't push yourself too much. If you are injured then you can't run the race. If you start too fast, you will hit a wall and be walking the last several miles. You may still hit a wall. To this I say train, hydrate, consume simple carbs during the race, watch your electrolytes (eat foods high in potassium and sodium prior to the race then drink sports drinks during the race), and most of all, just keep moving. Unless you start getting dizzy, seeing stars, or have excruciating physical pain in a joint (you don't want to physically injure yourself just to finish), you can keep going. There is a huge mental aspect to finishing a marathon. Funny thing to leave you with, on mile 24 of my very first marathon, I was running along knowing I just had a couple of miles left. All of a sudden I started sobbing with real tears and everything, for no real reason. I wasn't happy or sad. My body was suffering but I was not in major pain. Running that far will disrupt your hormones and make your body experience weird feelings. I guess that's what was happening to me. You may even experience euphoria only to be in major distress after you finish. A marathon is a shock to your system. It is an amazing feat but should be respected. Get out there, do it, have fun, be safe!

[bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

i only began running in jan 2017 due to no longer having a cycle (car driver on phone hit me at over 60mph and almost took my leg) and had managed my first marathon distance by the end of April. i currently run at least one marathon a week plus lots of smaller fast runs.

from experience:
1. use shoes that are 1/2 to 1 size larger than usual as your feet will swell up
2. band aids around your toes will help stop blisters forming
3. toenails as short as possible. you will lose toenails
4. start your journey with few and easy runs or you will be injured. i learned the hard way that your cardiovascular system improves a lot faster than your musculoskeletal system- so you have then energy to go for many kms/miles but your body isnt strong enough
5. drink and fuel before it is needed
6. no static stretching before a run. something like skipping or running on the spot but bringing your knees to your chest is better
7. dont stop and stand still halfway through a marathon as your legs will seize. if you get tired slow down and walk. it is helpful to take long stretching strides if you walk
8 invest in foam roller. never underestimate the power and bliss of instant massage as soon as a run is over.
9. have a protein drink ready to consume as soon as the race / run is over
10. numbers 8 and 9 will help your recovery and allow you to walk tomorrow
11. try to train for above a marathon. that way, when marathon day arrives you can think "ha, 26.2 miles - i could moonwalk that with a baby elephant on my back"
12. remember - it is only one more step to the end

my current goal is to improve my marathon time by almost an hour before april 2018 to try and qualify for boston. it isnt easy

[waynef]

Hannah, watching this video was the catalyst for me which turned the marathon idea into a reality. 1 marathon and 2 ultra’s later I always think back to this being the humble beginnings. Thank you so much for the inspiration ❤️🏃‍♂️

[dianaa]

Omg the best crossover ever! I didn't know you did this content before! I'm sooo here for this. If you still run please consider doing more videos on this topic! I'd love to see more!

[hughjazz]

never seen a video of this lady but my first thought after watching is: what a cool person

[BassPlayerUnderGrace]

Why do I keep coming across your videos? lol. I move to Japan and come across your videos. I visit Australia and come across your videos. I move to South Korea but get big into hiking, come across your videos. I get interested in drones, I come across your videos. Now I have moved to Alaska but have gotten big into running and am currently training to run my first come across your videos, lol. Either way, never disappointed when I come across your videos. Keep it up!

[liquidmojo]

Awesome video. I hope you love/loved the Philippines trip. For me, a hydration vest/camelbak during summer training for sure! Maurten and/or Gu Roctane for gels. Body Glide and sport/wicking underwear for friction chafing prevention. Sport belt for holding your phone and shorter run training.

[FordyRuns]

Great vid nice one! I think any content on helping runners prepare for marathons/halfs are super

[Audit_Reactions]

Very good tips! Too many people go into marathons with little to no training and wonder why its so painful.

[aroades]

Body Glide or something like it is a must to avoid chafing. Although even that sometimes isnt enough. Ive finished 16 fulls and have had more than a few really painful showers afterwards. Marathon running isnt a glamourous sport. Oh, and yes...its almost impossible to lose weight during heavy training...as you will eat constantly. Good video!

[shammohdali]

I always carry some Haribou gummy bears with me when running marathon..

[erinconway]

I've ran 6 steamtown marathons in Scranton pa. My best time was 5 hours and 30 minutes

[bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

paula radcliffe - one of the best long distance runners - ever!

[pixiedustrun]

Thank you for sharing your experience on marathon.

[ultrajayson]

I'll think of you when I run SCSM 2017. so gorgeous!😊

[lairyousuke]

In your video, you mentioned joint pain, I hope you don't heel-strike during running, your joint have to face a lot of force with longer time. so take care.

[xibalbabarca]

In life there are 1, 000, 000 reasons why not and 1 good reason why.

[lairyousuke]

my opinion, maybe not suit you, wear sunglasses during marathon, view become darker, it maybe let your brain think the weather is not that much hot, then you can last longer.

[gingeral]

Love hearing others experiences on Marathon Running, everyone is different 👍 I will be posting a video soon on 5 tips for first time marathoners and 5 tips on what to expect on race day be sure to check it out

[hawkhea]

Yes, I totally agree with u. I do encounter easier bowel movement.
So I Guess our theory is correct. Movement of intestine lol.

Sometime it's liquid form too 😬