Like last year, Brooke and I will be doing some sort of little tradition each day leading up to Christmas.
For today, Brooke chose out an ornament for our Christmas tree. After a good 20 minutes of debate she ended up choosing the Santa (or as she calls him—> Tanta) ornament.
I must have watched my favorite music video at least 10 times in a row on the treadmill this morning. 8 miles @ 8:06 pace.
And after my run it was off to something extremely important—> Brooke is worried about the ducks not getting enough food this winter so we went down and fed them all of our bread.
Happy National Fritter Day! I am thankful for Apple Fritters and I appreciate we have a day to celebrate them.
———————————————-
Let’s talk about a few tips for running your first marathon.
(Hugging my Dadio at the end of my first marathon in 2010!!!)
26.2 miles is a long ways. Marathon training takes a lot of preparation, time, sweat (or if you are lucky… glistening) and before you know it, you will be crossing the finish line of your first marathon!
Here are a few tips that I have for training for your first marathon! All of you experienced runners out there, please feel free to add more in the comments!
–Don’t look too far ahead on your training plan. Take one day at a time!!! When you first start training for a marathon it is scary to think that in x amount of weeks you will be running 20 miles! Don’t think about that yet! You will gradually build up to that distance so there is no need to stress yourself out about those LONG runs before you get to them.
–Forget about time! Just go run it. Focus on completion rather than a time goal. You will have many more marathons after your first one to stress about the time.
–Use some smaller races as part of your training. These are great dress rehearsals for the big day! You can work on your fueling, what to wear and pacing during these races to find what will work for you on marathon day! You can train yourself to avoid going out too fast… going out too fast and wasting all of your energy in the beginning is easy to do in races with all of the excitement and adrenaline!
–For your first marathon, sign up for a course where you will have some fans. I always get the biggest boost of energy whenever I see any family members or friends along the course. Choose a course that is close to family/friends so that you can have a little cheering squad there to help you get through some of the tough spots.
-It is also helpful to choose a course close to home! This way you can practice parts of the race on your own and know what to expect.
–It’s okay if you miss a few days on your schedule. I remember when training for my first marathon that I was scared to death to miss a training run. Over the years and after training for more and more races I have stopped worrying about that. Things come up… you get sick… you don’t get enough sleep… it’s okay if you need to take a day off every now and then! You will still rock your marathon!
–Read about it. Knowledge is power! HERE and HERE are great books for beginner marathonerss to learn all about nutrition, training and mental training!
-Don’t forget—> Recovery is just as important as training! Do the ice baths, the rest days when your schedule (and body) tell you to, get enough sleep and foam roll/stretch!
–Go into it knowing that it is going to be tough but that you are strong and it is so worth all of the work (and crazy/painful faces).
———————————————-
What was your very first race!?! What year was it?
What was your workout today?
Is the apple fritter anyone else’s favorite donut?
Who is your favorite person to have at your races?!
100 comments
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Love these tips especially the one about forgetting about time. I’m so competitive & I’m constantly reminding myself it’s about finishing and enjoying the experience.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Exactly Megan!! I hope you are having a great day!
Amy @ They May be Light
There is something special about the first marathon! It’s horrible and awesome all at the same time! You may get better times or easier races, but the first is always special.
Sarah @ KS Runner
My first marathon was October 2006 – Nike Womens Marathon in SanFran. Loved it. Actually, I was never going to run another race again when I finished. Now I’m at 34 marathons and counting!
Definitely don’t stress about getting all your workouts in. I used to be so type A about getting in every run, every cross training session, strength workout, etc. Which was probably why I had an extreme case of burn out after my first. Now I try to follow the plan as close as I can, but I understand that things come up and life happens. Take it in stride! I also have to break down my runs (or races) into smaller sections. I still get overwhelmed if I think of a marathon as 26.2 miles. Breaking it down helps me mentally get past that.
My husband is my favorite person to have at my races. I know he worries that something could happen, so the look on his face when I finish is the best. Its a mix of relief and pride.
We pick out ornaments every year for the tree too! I love that tradition!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Best race ever!! I wish everyone (especially women) got the chance to run it!
Sarah @ KS Runner
It is an awesome race! I’m glad I got to do a race that was so beautiful and organized so well for my first or I may never have run another one!
The Hungry Runner Girl
34!!!!! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!!!
Sarah @ KS Runner
Thanks! Crazy may be a better word for it? ;)
Angie C
My husband would say your are incredibly crazy. But I say you are crazy incredible! Awesome.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
My very first race was from San Luis Obispo, CA to Seal Beach, CA. It was gorgeous.
Workout is going to be a treadmill run after work because the rain hasn’t let up at all.
The hubs is probably my fav person to have at my races, I always cry when I see him. My kiddos are a close second!
Katie
My first race was Chicago 2014… just about 6 ish weeks ago! It was amazing… Janae you are so right about signing up for a first marathon with lots of crowd support! It made my race an unbelievable experience :)
megan d
Ya. The apple fritter is definitely the best tasting/sounding fritter on that list.
I did cardio and abs at Rage today. Lots of jumping and burpees. It still hurts to do lower ab stuff. Pretty sure my uterus is broken.
I would have (and didn’t think) it was super important to me to have people along the course. Lesson learned. It does help so much.
Now let’s talk about Brooke and how I swear she looks 5and is bigger each time I see her. I don’t like it. I think you need to have a talk about her growing up. I will give the same talk to Felicity. Deal?
The Hungry Runner Girl
Deal! It is crazy because not only does she look so much older all of the sudden but she now says about 500 different words. Let’s go get apple fritters. And then an x-ray on your uterus.
Rebecca@runningFoodBaby
First ever race was the Ottawa Race Weekend 5K – I signed up because everyone else was doing it, lol. That was back in 2010!
I love apple fritters, but sprinkled donuts will always be close to my heart – and tummy
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I love having my husband there with me! All good tips, especially not looking too far ahead and getting overwhelmed. I’ve run 4 marathons and that will still get me all nervous!
Denise
My first real race was a 10k last summer. I had done some 5ks before, but never trained for them, and always walked at least twice during them. After the 10k I trained for, I was hooked! Today I haven’t worked out yet, but I am going to the gym soon to get some time on the spin bike followed by a run.
Love the ornament Brooke picked out–cute tradition! :) When I was a kid our tradition was to go pick out our tree, cut it down, then bring it home to decorate. Loved it!
Brittnee
My mom has been to almost all of my races! She will carry my bag and be waiting for me at the finish. The smaller races she can drive around and snap pictures or even come out into the street and give me more Powerade like she did in my marathon :) It’s nice to have a fan and race assistant all in one!
My first race ever was 5k in 2011 and first marathon was May of this year. Knowledge is power when it comes to marathon training! I read your blog of course and lots of other running blogs and websites for tips about everything from fuel to workouts. It was a long process last winter/spring, but looking back, it went so fast and was so rewarding. I am actually craving another training cycle for spring 2015!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Reading about your mom being at all of your races gave me goosebumps. That is so so so sweet.
Jenna
I ran my first marathon in Chicago this October and it was amazing. I am already thinking about signing up for another one in May of 2015. Training is a huge commitment but its also a great outlet for stress and every long run feels like a mini accomplishment.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
Great tips, definitely agree that it’s okay to miss a few days on the schedule. My marathon training I took a lot more days off than I originally planned for but I also wanted to ensure I didn’t overtrain and cause injuries. It ended up being just right for me.
Brooke
My first marathon was in 2012 and it was the Provo City Marathon, It was a very rough first marathon for me.
My workout for today was going to be Jillian Michael’s Six Week Six Pack but I got cold found my blanket and fell asleep on the couch!
That looks like a great Christmas tradition!
Becky @ Olives n Wine
Again, I love your #2 tradition as well – so cute! And my one piece of advice for training for your first marathon is to train with a group. Having that accountability and friendship is key. Plus, you’ll be able to get to know each other really well over those long run Saturdays!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I completely agree with you! Training with a group is the absolute best!
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola
I am really hoping to run my first half marathon on 2015, and these seem like great tips even though they are technically written for a full marathon. It’s so easy to obsess about time so it’s a nice reminder to not worry about that.
P.S. I saw Bruno Mars in concert last year and the entire concert reminded me of that music video. He dances with his band for most of the show and it was a lot of fun!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Well, I guess that I absolutely positively must go to his concert someday. I just can’t get over how much I love his dancing!
YOU WILL ROCK YOUR FIRST HALF MARATHON!
Angela @ North Idaho Runner
My first race was a 12k – the largest road race in the United States in Spokane, WA (Bloomsday). That was this year. I have since run 6 1/2 marathons + 2 25ks + 3 fulls
No working out today. I’m taking a couple rest days early in the week to recover from a high mileage long weekend (50 miles in 4 days).
Love Apple Fritters but Maple Bars have my heart.
Husband is my favorite person to have at races. I cannot express what an amazing crew member he has been. Before my second marathon, I was super sick the three days prior. I could barely eat leading up to the race. He ensured to be at several aid stations to check on me. We were out of the country so did not have cell service to keep in contact AND of course all the roads surrounding the race were closed. It was tricky but he managed to be there when I needed him. I don’t know what I would have done without him. Knowing he was waiting was the only thing that kept me going. And sometimes, it still is (even when I’m having a good day)
Laura@twinsontherun
My first race was in 1996…I was about 15 years old. I’ve been runnin’ ever since!! It has brought me so much joy over the years.
For my first couple years of racing my mom was there to cheer me on. Then my husband. Now it’s my kids and there’s seriously nothing better than seeing and hearing them yell, “yay mama!” I’m sure have the biggest, goofiest smile as I go by but I can’t help it!
Nona @ RunningHigh
Great list! My first race was the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon in Phoenix…three weeks before my first marathon. I was told not to have the marathon be my first race ever, so I signed up on a whim. I had already run a 20 miler, so 13 felt like nothing!
Kelsie
Hey! Love your blog! Any suggestions for my first marathon training schedule? There are so many online and i don’t know what ones are good. I am prone to tendonitis in my ankles and achilles so i have to train smart and slow :) Thanks Janae!
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons
Great tips for a first marathon! I would add don’t forget to fuel your long runs. Experiment with Gu, Gel, Shot blocks, etc. to find what works for you.
My first race as an adult (not high school track) was The Indianapolis Marathon in 2007. It was such a fun experience :)
Love that you and Brooke do a Christmas tradition every day in December. I’m going to do this with my lil guy too!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
My first race was a 5K in February 2013 and my first marathon was October 2014! After so long thinking about 26.2 I still can’t believe it’s over and I can’t wait to train for my next one! :)
You know, I used to think I didn’t really need anyone to be at my races with me because I run alone anyway. However, the last half marathon I raced and PR’d at, no one was waiting for me at the finish line and that was actually a total bummer. For all races going forward I will make sure to have someone waiting for me instead of thinking it’s not a big deal!
Suzy
I ran my first marathon when I was 20 years old…in 1998! I finished it in 4:15. Now I can do them in 3:10 but it took me 16 years!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
My first race was a local race in Central Park in 2006. It was 4.8 miles. It was celebrating the 48th anniversary of something or another.
My first full marathon was the NYC marathon in 2011. My brother and my niece and nephew saw me in Brooklyn at mile 3 and 7 and then hopped the subway to manhattan and saw me at mile 23. It made my day.
No workout today. I sprained my ankle on Saturday and I am still in pity party mode. If I am still limping by thurs I will start doing some cross training. Phooey.
Kaci @ Running the Next Step
I ran my first race in 2012-a 5k Turkey Trot. I ran my first half marathon about six months ago and am hoping to do my first marathon in 2015!
My mom has ran almost every race with me. She won’t do a marathon but if I do one, I definitely need her there. Also my dad and my boyfriend-I love having them at my races, even though afterwards they always tell me how much work it is and how tired they are from spectating LOL
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
7 miles this morning!…My first half marathon was the Hershey Park half in 2012. I have yet to run a marathon, don’t know that I ever will but my dad is nagging me to run the NYCM. I don’t know, maybe one day.
Christy
San Diego RNR 2003! It took me 10 races to qualify for Boston. By far the BEST marathon.
My favorite fan to have at the finish line (besides my hubby) is my 17mo daughter, Isla. She was there at the NYC marathon last year at 18wks and at the Napa Valley marathon this year at 34wks.
I love your Christmas traditions. I might have to steal your ideas!
Jennifer
First race: the country music half marathon in 2007
Today’s workout: 1200 repeats on the track
Fave doughnut: chocolate covered glazed, but I wouldn’t turn down an apple fritter!
I love having my husband at my races!!
Rachel Runs Music City
I just ran the Country Music Half this last year! Hilly, but I loved it :)
Brooke
Thanks for the tips! I am running my first Marathon in January and I am so nervous and excited!!! can’t wait to cross that finish line :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Good luck Brooke! You are going to do amazing!
Cheryl
First race – 2013 NYC Half
Favorite person is my daughter Ally running with me! She’s my good luck charm.
No workout today :(
Apple fritter sounds delish but i have celiac :/
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
My very first race ever was the Houston Marathon (2007). It was quite the learning experience and the beginning of a very beautiful relationship with running. I have now run 8 marathons and will be running my 9th on Sunday! (CIM)
The most important person to have at all of my races is my husband. He supports me to the end of the world and back. And, although my father is no longer with me, I always think about him running beside me during my races or waiting for me at the finish line. My memories of him give me that extra push!
Chastity
I just registered for the Utah Valley Marathon! It will be my first and I’m SO excited. I’m not sure excited about training in the Utah winter, though. Lol.
Linda @ TheFitty
Do ice baths give you the chills just thinking about them? It’s so hard to get in and stay in!
Also, I’m pretty sure most parks have a rule about feeding the ducks(not that I follow mine because I feed them anyway)?
Caroline
Thank you for this post! It is exactly what I needed since I literally just started training for my first marathon yesterday. I am super excited! I ran my first half this year because I was so inspired when I watched “Spirit of the Marathon,” and thought why not just keep going? I’m nervous but excited for the challenge. Definitely not going to think about those 20 milers until I have to actually run them!
Michelle g
I started yesterday too!! Great tips and I was feeling nervous!
Emily Cooper
I have a hard time walking or running for long distances, or really any distance for that mayter, without my hands and feet swelling. Is it normal for your hands and feet/legs to swell when just starting out?
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
My first race was a 10K that I helped organize in 2012. I’m not a huge race person, but I did run my first half marathon this year!
My workout today was Pure Barre since I am taking full advantage of my ClassPass!
I dont know if I’ve ever had an apple fritter, but I know that my favorite donut right now is the apple cider one from a local place near me.
Kaitlyn
Great post! I ran my first marathon in October – the Chicago Marathon. Absolutely agree with all of your advice. This makes me want to start training for another :) I love your blog – I actually just started my own. I wrote a post today outlining what I did in the final days leading up to my marathon, check it out if you’re interested!
Liv @ Healthy Liv
My dad is my favorite person to have at races! He runs to different mile markers all over the course to cheer for me during half marathons. Even when I was in high school and doing cross country 5ks, he’d run to different spots around the course to cheer for me.
I’ve never tried an apple fritter because I don’t know of any places around me that have them, but you’ve made me want to try one SO much. Until I find one, I’ll have to live vicariously through you :)
Doni @ California Footwear Co.
My very first race was the San Francisco half marathon November 2006. I’ve done over 40 events since then! (relays, marathons, halfs, 10k, etc.)
Today was a yoga and elliptical day. Not a big fan of the elliptical, but it was really rainy and windy outside, so I changed my plans from running.
LOVE apple fritters! Those and the glazed old fashioned are my absolute favorite donuts/pastries.
My friend who got me into running is who I probably prefer to have at my races because when she is, we run them together.
Chelsea
My first race was the Falmouth Marathon in 2006- such a beautiful Course!
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
Those are great tips! I got really stressed out when I was training for my first half because I kept looking ahead on the training plan. It got to be crazy stressful for me.
Hot yoga is my workout today!
Randi
Ah this post couldn’t have come at a better time!!! I’m running my first marathon in 45 days!!! I’m nervous, excited, anxious, excited….AHHHHHH!! Thanks for the tips! I’m doing a 16 mile long run on Saturday…that will be a PDR :-)
Rest day today but I will be foam rolling and stretching…dang IT band.
Hayley C
I just ran my first marathon- NYC- exactly a month ago today! I would defintely give those same tips to future marathoners. The crowds in NYC were AMAZING! I also live in NYC so that make it much more exciting for me. I tried not to think about my time and ended up covering my garmin with my arm sleeves and finished in 3:29 which I was crazy excited about!!
Robyn @ Robyn's Living Life
Thanks for this post, Janae! I started this week and am excited/nervous! I have friends training with me though so that helps with the long runs!
I cross-trained today on the elliptical!
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
Training for my first marathon as we speak! Rock n’ Roll DC Marathon in March! Praying and crossing every cross-able body part that I stay injury free.
No matter how old I am, having my parents at the finish line…there is nothing better.
Sabrina
My first race was a 5k in Minneapolis. I flew up to meet/visit friends (that I met through blogging) and we all registered for a local 5k which ended up being the first race for many of us! So fun!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
My first race was the Baltimore 1/2 marathon in 2007! Since then I have run that course a few other times, including the full one year. It will always be a special race for me, plus its local!
My workout today was just under 4 miles…easing my way back into running after my marathon!
Erin
My first road race was 1995. It was a 5k. So long ago!! Today I ran 3 miles on my treadmill. My favorite fans at my races are my husband and 3 kids! And I don’t eat much sugar but if I get a donut it’s a honey bun!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Today my workout was teaching BODYPUMP and doing a little weights session in the gym. I’ve run a few races, nothing more than one half, and I find them quite hard. Maybe a marathon is in my future, but not in the cards right now. Happy running to you!
Jordan F
Hey! What is that monitor/watch thing you wear when you workout sometimes that tracks the calories you burn? Its not a garmin, but something different.. polar something? Im trying to find something to get for my madre for christmas.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I use the Jawbone with the Up app!
Kelly M
My first marathon was 2 months ago! :) Apple fritters are my all time favorite. They remind me of my grandma because she used to bring them to me when I was a kid. Today I did full body weight training and ran 5 miles on the treadmill. I’ve started having some back pain since the weather got so cold and I relocated to the treadmill. I think that may be the culprit. I read that the moving belt can pull your pelvis forward resulting in mid-low back issues :(. I’m going to try to be brave and run outside instead this winter.
Christina
These are the best tips! I just ran my first marathon last month and I’m so glad I stuck to semi local only an hour away small marathon and my son and husband I was able to see 4 times on the course! It made it such an amazing experience! And I ran a half 5k and 10k during my training months to prepare. I did not run for time and am SO happy about that given it was 81 degrees and now I can crush my time next year.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I ran cross country in high school (first race was in 1999) but didn’t start running on my own until a lot later, my first half marathon was in 2010.
I ran 3.3 miles today. It was a long day, so I’m glad I got it in!
Apple fritter is up there, but I really like jelly doughnuts.
I’ve only had people at one of my races (my most recent half) – it was so cool to have my boyfriend and my mom there!
ashley
Please don’t feed bread to ducks!! Great foods to feed ducks: dark leafy greens (kale, mustard greens, chard), cracked corn, barley, oats, birdseed or other grains, duck feed pellets from farm supply stores (like mazuri waterfowl maintenance)
Sorry to be a meanie pants — but it’s really bad for them.
http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/a/feedingducksbread.htm
The Hungry Runner Girl
I had no idea! Thank you so so much for sending this over. We will switch to oats from here on out! I appreciate you Ashley!
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out
Sprints and strength training today = I am dead.
April
Hi Tante in Dutch is Aunt. So your sister should love the new tanta she picked out.
Have a great holiday month
mary
Hi Janae! I love this post! I started running in 2011 and couldn’t even run for 1 minute. Well, last Sunday I crossed the finish line of first full marathon! I even beat my goal time :). I completely agree with your tips here and just wanted to tell you how much reading your blog has inspired my journey! The marathon was such a great experience for me I can’t wait to do another. I also have Ragnar in my sights :). Thanks for sharing your running journey!
The Hungry Runner Girl
MARY!!!! HUGE HUGE HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!! You are amazing. Yes, do a Ragnar… they are a blast. Congrats again and you even beat your goal time.. WOW!
Claire
My first race was this year! In august and I ran a 10k. I recently fell in love with running and I’m hooked!
Kristen
My first race was a 5k 8 months after my daughter was born. I knew I needed motivation to get in shape so I signed up for it months in advance. From where I started it might as well have been a marathon! I trained for months and was still worried I wouldn’t be able to finish. My parents and husband and daughter came out to cheer me on… Thanks for the memory! It’s hard to believe how far I’ve come in 8 years.
Today’s workout was an hour of power vinyasa yoga and 10 minutes of HIIT.
Dana @ Running on Coffee
Brooke is so stinking cute!! I also love all of your Christmas traditions :) I can’t wait to do the same thing when I have kids. My very first race was a 10k back in 2012 :) I ran 3 miles today, and blueberry cake donuts are my favorite!
Katie@Run Wild in Alaska
I have no idea what or when my first race was. Maybe it was preparing for my first half marathon – maybe around 1999 or so? Geez….
My fave person to have at my race is my dad. He’s a runner too, so when he’s cheering me on, he really gets it.
Jennifer @ The Peanut Butter Runner
Love this post! I ran some local small road races, and a couple Race for the Cure’s, but my first distance race was the Arizona Rock N’ Roll Half in 2010. I was SO proud of myself for finishing, and I instantly fell in love with racing.
I love your tips for a first marathon. My other tips are to try out fueling and hydration strategies during your long runs and find what works for you, so that your digestive system knows what to expect on race day :) Same thing with shoes. Also, don’t neglect the taper!! The taper can be mentally challenging, but your body will thank you. So so important :)
My workout today was 9.5 miles and some sports conditioning and core.
My mom is my favorite person to have at my races. She’s one of my best friends, and my biggest cheerleader. She recently decided that she wants to run her first 5K, and is working hard at it and I am so so so so proud!! I’ll be there with signs, cheering my guts out!!!!
Janet
Great tips! I would add that you should experiment with fueling, especially during the longer runs. Fueling is very personal so you have to find what works for you. The way I ultimately fueled for my first marathon was very different from what I originally thought I was going to do. After many trial and errors during training, I found a combination that worked great for me.
Also, if possible I recommend joining a running group that has a coach. Our coach was absolutely invaluable and the group support during my first marathon made it aparticularly special experience.
Jade
Excellent tips!
I was actually sad to come to the finish of my first marathon because I didn’t want it to end. That was back in ’95, I’ve ran 56 since then and a bunch of ulta’s.
Apple fritters are yummy.
Sarah
Great tips! My first race was a half marathon that a friend talked me into doing a week before the race! Didn’t do too bad and it hooked me.
My workout was strength training- arms. One more month until I can run again!
Annie R
My first race was Boston, 2013, the year of the bombing. I ran with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so I had coaches and people to go to when things were rough or I had questions. Some of my biggest takeaways that I’ve made sure I’ve kept in practice over my last few marathons are:
1) Do not try anything new on race day. No new clothes, no new fuel, no new nothing. Everything you’re running in/with, you should have run in/with before. This prevents chafing, weird annoyances, upset bellies, etc. Trust me. It’s gonna be a long day and you want to be as comfortable as humanly possible.
2) Seriously. Go out slow. Absolutely crucial on a course like Boston, where the tough parts come between mile 17-20. If you feel like you’re running too slow, go slower. It wasn’t until my 4th marathon that I actually did this and I ran a negative split (ran a faster 2nd half than first) and it was the MOST amazing race ever. I felt like I could keep running for forever. It really makes ALL the difference in the world!
3) Enjoy it. It will be really really really hard at times. And there will be miles that are excruciating and you’ll hate every single step of it .BUT you are doing something so freaking amazing. Smile, grin and bear it, and know that when you’re done the high will be like nothing you’ve ever felt before. Again, going out SLOW can make all the difference with this one.
Janae, I’m SO excited for you to run Boston. I live here and I will be out there cheering for you on Marathon Monday! It’s the first time in couple of years I haven’t run it and I’ve never been a spectator before. It is seriously the most incredible day! Also look up Wellesley college on Facebook closer to the race and you can usually get a Wellesley girl to make a sign for you in the scream tunnel (THE ABSOLUTE BEST PART OF THE COURSE!)
Sarah
My workout today will be my own private spin class – an endurance ride! It seems like spin classes are always strength or interval rides, so that’s why I need to do my own thing today and work on my endurance.
Great marathon tips – I’ve run 17 marathons, but I’m definitely not at your level of awesomeness, pace-wise. I love seeing my family along the race route. You’re right – it makes all the difference. I love the pic of you and your dad at your first marathon! Got me a little teary eyed! But not as much as your race recap post when your sister ran the last part with you in her flip-flops. Cried my eyes out!
Blaire @ Just Been Running
My first marathon was Novemeber 15th here in my hometown, Charlotte! It was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My entire family was here, friends came out, the weather was GORGEOUS (cold at the start but beautiful the rest of the time), and I completed it in 4:04! I was really gunning for sub 4 but I never hit the the wall and I was so happy with the accomplishment! I cannot wait to run another one, but I think I have a stress fracture in my foot so I am getting an xray on Friday :( Fingers crossed it’s not!
Great tips!
Rachel Runs Music City
Will be running my first full marathon this coming April, so thanks for all the tips! I’ll take all I can get :)
My first race was a half marathon in 2010. Chicago Spring Half Marathon
What was your workout today?
I did a 2 mile run and then went to an hour long Hip Hop Cycle class!
I don’t really like donuts (I hope we can still be friends :/), but I love bagels, does that count?
I NEED my husband at any race I or do or else it will be a bad time. I always look forward to seeing him at the finish!
Irina
Great tips! After running my first marathon this past October, I would have to say my #1 tip is to choose the right marathon for you – choose a smaller race if you get stressed out by crowds easily or choose a large race if you thrive on crowd support.
bridget
I haven’t run a full marathon yet, but I really want to. This makes me feel less anxious about going for it.
Briana
Thanks for some tips geared towards beginners! Great advice and book recommendations.
Kathleen
Thanks for this! I am about to start training for my first marathon which happens to be… BOSTON!
Go big or go home, right?
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Thanks for the tips! I haven’t done a full marathon yet but hope to someday! My first race was a 5K my freshman year of college. I want to get fast (for me, about a sub-1:39) at the half before running a full!
Megan
Any tips for what you eat the day before a Marathon? I just finished my first one in June, and a huge wall that I hit on mile 20 was really terrible stomach cramps. It may have been due to the GU packets, but seriously it was so unpleasant!
Kay
Thank you for all of your great tips!
Cassie
I love that picture of you and your dad, he looks so proud!! It actually made me emotional thinking about how much I would love for my dad to be at the finish line of one of my races, so maybe I will ask him to be there next time :) Not that he wouldn’t come, I just never bothered to ask for anyone to come “cheer squad” for me because I am usually running with a friend or don’t want to ask someone to hang out for 2+ hours for me to run by them in a flash. I did learn how important that cheer squad is though during my first half. My mom drove me and knowing she would be at the end was just what I needed to get me through :)
Jennifer
My first race was a 5k and I was so afraid I would be the least one on the course…and I wasn’t, which was my only goal. Next weekend I will be running my 5th marathon and I’m very excited! I always run with my best friend/running partner and most of the time we finish together so I have her. Sometimes my husband and kids are there (which gives me that extra push) and sometimes it’s just me and my BFF/running partner. If my husband isn’t at the race he will text me at different points giving me support…”You’re strong”…”You can do this!”…”Fight through it!” Means a lot to me.
Apple fritters=YUM!
Today was a rest day…back at it tomorrow!
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
Awesome tips! I used a lot of these for my first half marathon, and it made the race so much better for me :)
Anna | Gone Banannas
I am training for my first marathon right now so this was the perfect post to see! I am running Boston this year for Boston Children’s Hospital. I am super excited and to be honest I am a little more nervous about all the fundraising than the running right now!
Also, HOW do you not get bored on the treadmill!? I am currently only running about 4 miles and I find myself constantly checking the mileage because time seems to standstill on the treadmill. Any tricks of the trade on that? Thank you dear!
Whitney S.
You start your Boston training on my daughter’s 1st birthday. I’m thrilled for you – but sad because my baby isn’t much of a baby anymore!
Jean
This is a fabulous post with great tips! I am learning right now not to look ahead too far in the training schedule and just take it one day at a time. Also, you are so right not to focus on the time. My race times have been disappointing lately and then I forget to just enjoy the race! Have a great day!
Tara
Oh, that BOOK! I read it years ago. Still one of the top 10 books. Made me so sad though.
So excited you will be in Boston in a few months!!!
*fact-I have never had a fritter of any kind!
Emily
Love you and your blog! I just ran my first marathon at Detroit a few
months ago. The best advice I got was to think of the first 20 miles as a tempo run and to race the last 6 miles. This helped so much and made me focus on staying on the prescribed pace the first 20. After that, it was whatever I had left.
AmandaM
I call my father Dadio too :)