8 Common Marathon Mistakes (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM!)

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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
0:50 Going out too fast
3:26 Doing too much the day before
4:30 Using gels you’ve never tried before
6:14 Not adapting race plan for bad weather
8:11 Arriving late to the start
9:00 Eating different dinner/breakfast
10:11 Ignoring issues
12:05 Saving new shoes for race day

About this video: Today we are going through the main mistakes that runners make when running a marathon (not just beginners!) and all the solutions to make sure they don’t happen to you!

This video is NOT sponsored. All products mentioned have been bought 100% by Ben and the channel. Our mission here is to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy running to their full potential. Showcasing the best running tips and advice, while reviewing the latest gear and taking your round some of the best races in the world!

[rtimbr]

60 years old, from the States, and running my first ever marathon in Frankfurt (Mom's home town) in 5 weeks. I've been following my Ben Parkes training plan. Yesterday's 20 miler was tough but I'm getting it done. When I finish I'm guaranteed a PB.

[cooperyearick]

Don’t always trust the pacer! I’ve run multiple races where the pacer went out much faster than the pace they were expected to run. Have the self control to trust your pace.

[gerardswinley]

Running a 2:40 marathon with a full loo stop in the middle is nuts 😂

[Snerunseasy]

Great video Ben, I've ran many marathons but I still need these advices ... perfect timing as well, thanks.

[macsmachine]

Great video Ben. I did break the cardinal rule one year at Houston. On my last two long runs before the marathon, my shoes suddenly started to hurt my ankles to the point of making me walk the last several miles. Bought a pair of new shoes at the expo and had a great marathon. Very lucky, certainly not recommending it, just had nothing to lose. Don’t think I violated any of the other tips you discussed. Thanks.

[ianclifford]

Ran Sydney last week. I was on the waiting list, so my wave was group F, the final wave. You are correct about starting at the back and weaving. I ran at 4.56km according to my watch, but finished in 3.31, because of the extra distance I ran. It's still 47 mins faster than last year. Realised also that I don't need a drink at every water station, so that improved my time for marathon number 2.

[ulianakysheniuk]

I ran my first marathon yesterday having trained according to your program for a few months. Some background: I’ve never run consistently in my life, concurred my first 10k just a year ago. With your training program, I managed to finish in 3 hours 45 minutes with negative splits for the last 7k at around 4:54/km. I want to say huge THANK YOU for everything you do, for the knowledge you share, for the programs you offer. You’re incredibly motivating and inspiring person. You should never forget that you’re literally changing the lives of thousands for the better❤️

[markvserik]

I just hit a big marathon PB of 3:09 by using one of Ben’s training plans. Thank you Ben for all the great info you share!!

[vi]

I can relate to bad weather on race day. I did the GNR this year and it was lashing down throughout, actually done the run just fine, but didn’t have a change of clothes afterwards. Ended up with hypothermia, passing out twice and vomiting whilst unconscious because I walked to South Shields metro, which is an absolute trek from the finish. So anyone reading this, take a change of clothes for afterwards, regardless of the weather!

[mad]

All great advice Ben. I have been running marathons since 1986 and have made all of the mistakes, at least once. (slow learner😆). The one I continue to struggle with is pre-race and race fueling and getting the fluids, in particular, dialed in just right especially as I have aged and gotten slower. Always an adventure.

[hahaheslop]

I ran London Marathon in 2018, hottest London in history. Berlin Marathon 2019, apocalyptic storm! I don't have much luck with weather, but it's all good fun! 😂

[AAli-vqmc]

Ben! Well timed. Super helpful as always. Thank you

[TenRun]

Great reminders Ben and perfect timing! Have been following your channel the past year and running my first marathon on 10/20 while soaking up all the tips I can. The big 20 miler is coming up this weekend 😬 Appreciate all the time you put in and the experience and knowledge you’re offering up! The full loo stop with sound effect was 😂

[LARKRunningUK]

Great tips. Pacing is the big one over a marathon, most people set off too optimistically……hopefully I can get it right this weekend at my 2nd marathon.
Nagging issues is an interesting one. During races it seems wrong to stop and sort anything but you’re probably right, ignoring them likely won’t help!

[tomascanevaro]

Just today ran my first marathon! 3:45:45 chip time, which im pretty happy considering it was warm and super humid, i had to deal with a knee injury that prevented me from running the 2 weeks leading up to the race, and i had to take 2 bathroom stops.

[carolinmonch]

Thank you so much for the video! My first marathon is happening this Sunday so your video timing is spot on 😁

[Leeroy]

I still use your training plan and you've been kindly answering my questions via Facebook. Thank you for that. First marathon this year was in heavy rain^^. I did tie my shoe too quickly and to tight last year in Berlin and reacted too late... that sucked in the second half. Very good hint ;).

[adriaantermors]

The running watch can also contribute to the risk of starting too fast. My watch predicts a time that is maybe as much as 10 to 15 minutes faster than what I can probably run. On the one hand, you know you have to start sensibly, on the other hand, if the watch 'thinks' I can do it, maybe I should give it a try anyway..?

[imocartan]

The guy @ 5:49 made me laugh 😂😂😂😂. Bro just grab the cup

[mdq]

Just bought a plan for the website. Looking forward to follow along the training. Great video, Ben.