Top 5 Pro Tips for Your First Marathon Success

Preparing for the London Marathon

If you’ve registered for the two-day London Marathon next year, by now you’ll have an idea whether you’ll be participating in this grand event. Even though the marathon is still a while off, preparing early is key to making the most out of your training sessions. Find out more about the London Marathon ballot results here.

Insights from World Record Holder Susie Chan

Not sure where to begin? Let’s take some advice from four-time Marathon des Sables finisher, Susie Chan. As the first European female to finish all three Badwater races, Susie is knowledgeable about what it takes to train for marathons. She currently leads Tread classes at Peloton, helping thousands of new runners with treadmill workouts.

Susie Chan’s Marathon Training Tips

Susie Chan is unquestionably an expert when it comes to marathon training for beginners. She offers five essential tips to get you race-ready, from the workouts to follow, to the must-have training gear.

1. Invest in Good Running Shoes

During your marathon training, you’ll be clocking many miles, hence the importance of investing in the right shoes. Wearing the wrong footwear can lead to discomfort or even injury. For this reason, Susie recommends getting a gait analysis test to determine the right running shoes for you. When choosing the best running shoes, prioritize comfort and durability over colour and brand.

2. Find a Training Plan

Start your training as early as possible. A comprehensive programme will allow you to build up your mileage gradually, avoiding the risk of overexertion. Susie recommends the Pace Your Race programme by Peloton. Alternatively, you can use running apps like Strava or Runna, which provide custom fitness plans.

3. Prioritise Strength Training

Strength training is highly beneficial for building bone and muscle mass, which is integral in maintaining overall health. For marathon training, it can also help prevent injury. Whether it’s a dumbbell workout at home or a dedicated gym session, doing a simple strength workout twice a week can make a significant difference.

4. Treat Your Long Runs as Marathon Practice

Treat your long runs as a marathon practice. This will help you understand what your body needs before, during and after running and how to manage your nutrition during the run. Testing different running kits during these runs will also help you decide what to wear on the main race day.

5. Think About Recovery

Rest and recovery are as crucial as the training itself. Quality sleep aids in recovery, so learn how to improve your sleep for effective recovery. Apart from that, a balanced, high-protein diet and a good stretching routine can aid in muscular recovery and prevent muscle pain.