So you have some experience as a runner, but lately you’ve been wondering, “Should I run a marathon?” Before you decide, it helps to truly understand what you’re getting into. Some people have some fears about marathon running, and it’s important to think about aspects of the training or racing that may hold you back.
Here are 10 things to know about training for and running a marathon, so you can more seriously consider whether or not you should run one.
1. You’ll need to make some sacrifices.
Sometimes people put running a marathon on their bucket list, without giving much thought as to the time and financial commitment.
Some people don’t realize that marathon training is very time-intensive. At times, it may feel like a part-time job (that you don’t get paid for). Beginners should plan to run or exercise at least 4-5 days a week and, once you hit your training peak, one of those days will involve hours of running, when you do your long slow distance run.
And running a marathon isn’t cheap. In addition to the race entry fee and travel/possible lodging costs for race weekend, you’ll need to buy running shoes, running clothes and gear, sports nutrition, and other marathon essentials. You may also have other related expenses such as gym membership, child care, physical therapy, and massages.
Before you commit to a marathon, think realistically about your work, family, and other responsibilities to determine if you would have the time and money to commit to the training and the race. Some people may need to get family members on board before committing if they’re going to need help with childcare and/or household responsibilities.
2. A marathon shouldn’t be your first race ever.
Before you start thinking about running a marathon, it’s a good idea to try out a few smaller races, like a 5K or 10K. You’ll be able to figure out if you truly like training and racing before making a huge time, emotional, and possibly financial commitment.
I always like to see runners complete a half marathon before they do a marathon so they get a better sense of what’s involved with the training and race itself and to decide if they truly enjoy long distance running!
It’s best to be running for at least six months (one year is better) before you start training for a marathon. If you have that experience, your body will have already made some physical adaptations and you’ll be more physically and mentally prepared to handle the rigors of marathon training.
Sure, many people jump right into marathon training and run a marathon several months after they first started running. But that decision can sometimes lead to injury or burnout during the training.
3. You don’t have to run for 26 miles.
Some beginners worry about having to take a walk break during a marathon because they think they’ll look or feel like a failure. There’s no shame in taking a walking break! The majority of marathon participants take a walk break at some point during the race, whether it’s a strategic run/walk approach or walking through some of the water stops.
Taking walk breaks can be a very smart race strategy because it may help you avoid the muscle fatigue that often happens towards the end of races. And they give the same finishers’ medals to everyone who crosses the finish line, regardless of whether or not they ran the entire distance.
4. You may hate running at some point during the training.
Even if right now you’re feeling gung-ho about the thought of running a marathon, once you get into the training, your love for running may start to fade a bit. Marathon training can sometimes be exhausting and overwhelming.
If you think you’re ready to start training, be sure you’re ready for the inevitable dips in your motivation and make sure you use some strategies, such as running with others, to help you push through and maintain your enthusiasm.
5. You’ll need to invest in running shoes and other running gear.
If you’ve been a casual runner up until this point, you have been able to get away with running in an old pair of sneakers.
But when you’re training for a marathon, wearing the right running shoes for you is the key to comfort and injury prevention when you’re training for a marathon. An expert at a running specialty store can fit you for the correct running shoes for your foot type and running style.
Getting the right types of running socks and technical fabric running clothes is also important to stay comfortable and avoid blisters, chafing, and other issues.
If you’re a female runner, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable and confident running in a well-fitting, supportive sports bra. Again, check your local running store because they’ll have sports bras that are specially designed for runners so get the support you need (and no chafing!) when you’re running.
Perhaps you’ve run short enough distances that you haven’t had to carry a water bottle or wear a hydration belt up until this point. But when you’re training for a marathon, you’ll be running long enough that you’ll need to get accustomed to carrying fluids.
A hand-held water bottle or a hydration belt is a good investment so that you have easy access to fluids on the run.
6. You don’t have to run 26 miles at a time in training.
Many beginner runners assume that they need to run at least the race distance or beyond to be ready for the race. To be physically prepared for the race, it’s not necessary to run 26.2 miles before race day. Most marathoners-in-training do no more than 20 miles as their longest training run and are able to successfully complete the marathon.
Check out this beginner marathon training schedule to get a preview of what 20 weeks of marathon training looks like.
7. You’ll have to train in some bad weather.
While it’s fine to do some treadmill running while training for a marathon, you should do some of your runs outside. And since you never know what kind of weather you’ll get on race day, it’s good to practice running in less than ideal conditions. You’ll be prepared and confident to handle bad weather on race day.
Get safety tips and motivation for running in the cold, heat, and rain.
8. Marathon training is not a guarantee for weight loss.
If weight loss is your only or main motivation for running a marathon, you may want to rethink your decision to train for one. Training for a marathon is not a sure-fire way to lose weight – many marathoners-in-training find that their weight stays the same or they actually gain weight.
Part of the reason for that is that marathoners-in-training are often hungry and they assume marathon training gives them a license to eat and drink anything you want.
If you’re trying to lose weight (or maintain your current weight), figure out how many calories you need and focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. Then try keeping track of your exercise, food, and beverages in a journal. You’ll get a more accurate picture of how many calories you’re actually burning and taking in. And tracking everything will make you think twice before eating junk.
9. You may have to go to the bathroom in an undesirable location.
If you have a fear of portable toilets or gross convenience store bathrooms, you’ll need to get over that soon. Chances are that you’ll have to duck into one or the other during a run at some point. It’s common for marathoners-in-training to have a sudden urge to use the bathroom because they drank too much water before their run or they’re suffering from dreaded runner’s trots.
You’ll be putting in a lot of miles and at some point, you’ll probably need to interrupt your run for a potty break in a porta-potty, a nasty bus station bathroom, or even in the woods. Consider it a rite of passage as a marathon runner! Even if you make it through your entire training without using a porta-potty, you won’t have much choice come race day morning.
10. Not everyone will support your marathon training.
While it’s important to try to get your family members and friends on board with your commitment to run a marathon, keep in mind that not everyone will be supportive. You may meet some resistance from concerned family members and friends who are worried about the toll that training might take on you.
Try to be prepared to counter the naysayers with reasons why running a marathon is a worthwhile goal for you. You may want to seek out a running group to get support from other runners. And get tips on how to handle unsupportive friends and family members.
More About Marathon Running:
Best Marathons in the U.S. for Beginners
Beginner Marathon Training Schedule
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
