5 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your First Marathon

Are you about to run your first marathon? Check out these top 5 things you should know before you hit that start line. The Running Channel team have detailed the bits they wish they knew beforehand...

We made the mistakes so you don't have to!

↓↓ What are your marathon tips? Or what would you like to know? Tell us in the comments below ↓↓

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[cammo]

I remember vividly not sleeping the night before my first marathon - not a wink. But once you’re at the start line, it didn’t matter. The body goes into battle mode. It was the quickest marathon I’d ever run. 🙂🏃‍♂️

[punxrath]

Cargo shorts was my mistake. 10 years ago now but the chafing was legendary. Lots of blood and pain

[thatguygreg]

I’ve yet to run a marathon. Today was actually my longest run to date - 30km! Right now I’m relaxing with my dog on my lap and I can barely make it to the kitchen to get more water!

This channel is really growing on me. It’s so wholesome and nice and great for everyday runners like me. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching videos from Sage, SJD and Ben Parkes etc but those guys are super human and the times they put up regularly are so far beyond my ability! Inspiring and depressing at the same time. But this channel gives me hope!

[dannyjacobs]

One thing I remind everyone before their first marathon is, once you received your medal and you're excited and ready to get some water and food, don't forget to stretch! We do it after every run, but seem to easily forget after our longest run!

[siemniak]

I'm actually amazed with my progress in running and health overall. I could not run 5 km without stopping in the march of 2020 and today i actually did my first half marathon (2:09). My time now for 5 km is around 20 minutes. I've been running like crazy lately. What is most suprising to me is that recovery time is way shorter than what it used to be. For example after running a half marathon i don't feel that exhausted which is weird because two months before when i did my previous life record which was 16 km i could not walk for three days like a normal person. Also i've practically got rid of hypertension meds which i've took for 14 years. Now i believe it's possible to run the whole thing :)

[jeniboyd]

This video actually really helps. I'm about to run my first marathon, and all of the things you've mentioned- feeling sluggish, not sleeping well, and maranoia was making me feel like I'm not ready. Knowing other people are going through this is super helpful. Thank you!

[its_Matt_B_]

Solid advice for newbies. I’d like to add that, like everything, marathon running does get easier (mentally, not physically). It’s funny though; the long training runs don’t seem to get any easier. 😂

[chandaharkins]

A "massive set of cans" has a different meaning in the US. 😂 Thanks for the advice!

[maryoreskovich]

i just love the three of you! always cheerful, sound advice for real people, not just elite athletes. i ran a half marathon this past weekend and had a blast. i'll find out if i receive a lottery entry for the 2020 chicago marathon tomorrow. i've learned so much from your channel-thank you!

[ricd]

My main tip - know the course inside out if you can. Know where you can make time and the hilly parts where your pace will naturally slip. Don't think you'll be blasting out the same exact pace mile after mile. Start slow and run a negative split you'll be passing lots of people at end, it will be a very positive experience which will make you want to keep running. Then your second marathon you can try and run more of a true run pace and push yourself more. Good luck

[jimrad]

Hadn’t run in over 6 years since my daughter was born..got back into it at beginning of lockdown, doing 100 miles in fancy dress ( not all in one hit!) kept the running up, increasing to 10 miles which I do twice a week with 5 miles in between....my mate and I have decided to give the virtual London a go. Have come here for tips....thanks so much dudes

[matthewguenther]

After 30+ years off from running, I'm training for the Yakima River Valley Marathon (my first). Your videos are really helping me get back into running in a variety of ways (technology, modern training/nutrition, inspiration, and more).


The hardest thing for me has been trying not to compare my younger, able to bang out a 1/2 marathon at 5min/mile (and then ride my bike 10 miles to the beach and back) me to older, heavier, much slower and creakier me. I have to remind myself that it took almost 2 years to get back within 20% of my long distance cycling speed from back then, and I'm just into my 19th week of running training (and IMO running is way harder than cycling).

[filmic]

One hard lesson for me was, don't run through a/deep puddles. Made life miserable for one of my feet for a couple of weeks. Bleak!

[mr.mueller]

Great video! Thanks for the tips.

Never entered a race before. Last weekend I slogged through a 25k just to see if I could. It was painful, but I never stopped running.

Yesterday I began an 18 week marathon training plan. My only issue is trying to figure out what pace to run long runs at. During my 25k my average was 7:19/km pace. Should I be aiming for the same pace as “race pace” 🤷🏼‍♂️

[williamdonnell]

I’m running my first at London 2020 so I’m watching all your videos..keep them coming as I’m getting loads of great advice 👍

[alfromtx]

Once the race is over, get plenty of rest but also find ways to keep moving. You'll recover faster this way. Maybe go take a walk or jump on the stationary bike for 20-30 minutes. Easiest gear with a faster turnover. Alternate days of walking and stationary bike (or other minimal impact cardio), until the soreness is gone. Then, ease back into running. After my last marathon, it was 5 days before I wasn't sore anymore and was ready to run. With some people it take more or less time. Just listen to your body and don't rush it.

[mollyolecule]

I'm getting ready to run my first marathon this weekend and I am so nervous!! Thank you Running Channel for these tips! I'll try to practice them and remember them on the big day

[montya]

First marathon on Sunday during Storm Ciara with 70mph winds, fun fun fun

[ful]

Mine first marathon is tomorrow. Feeling nervous 😟

[scott-bbtj]

2 weeks to my first in York, these vids have played a massive part in my prep 😁 thanks !! 👍