With Coach Alexa, Online Running Coach and in-person coaching in South Oxfordshire
Spring Marathon Season Is Here!
I’ve got quite a few runners taking on marathons this weekend – big road marathons like London, Manchester, Hamburg… and one more I’ve temporarily forgotten! Goodness me – lots going on!
With running-based social media hitting fever pitch around these events – oh, Madrid too! – I wanted to share a few quick-fire top tips to help you stay mentally calm and keep things on track in this final week leading up to your big race.
1. Stay Off Social Media
I know it’s tempting to scroll through the London Marathon Facebook page or marathon training groups, but over the next few days, it’s just going to be speculation and panic. You won’t get any new or helpful information that you don’t already know.
Stick to what you know works for you. Let others do their thing, and protect your mindset by muting or avoiding those pages for a few days.
2. Be Strategic at the Race Expo
Most major marathons, with London having set the precedent, now include race expos or running shows where you collect your number. If you can, try to go on a quieter day – avoid Friday evenings and Saturdays, as they tend to be busiest.
Once you’re there, stick to your own little zone:
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Pick up your race number
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Say hello to your charity team, if applicable
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Do a bit of shopping if you’d like, but don’t spend too much time on your feet
Absolutely avoid the treadmill challenge set to world marathon pace, and do not try anything new – kit, food, or drink – on race day. Save it for after the race!
3. Prioritise Rest Over Extra Training
Now is the time to be calm and peaceful. If you’re not feeling 100%, or if life is busy, or you just want a lie-in – skip the training. At this stage, there’s very little to gain from the remaining sessions.
If in doubt, let them go:
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Prioritise sleep
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Eat nutrient-rich foods
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Stay hydrated
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Gradually increase your carbohydrate intake throughout the final few days
You don’t need to – and probably shouldn’t – shovel in all the pasta you can fit in your face the night before. That approach has been largely disproven.
4. Final Tip: Enjoy the Experience
Yes, it’s normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed in the lead-up to a race. But once you start running, all that will melt away.
Enjoy the experience! These big road marathons are fantastic – whether you’re running or spectating, they’re great fun and full of energy.
If you’re racing this spring, I hope you have a fantastic race.
Happy running!
