subject: Running Tips - Making It Through A Marathon [print this page] Running a marathon is a great physical feat for a runner. However, a runner also has to be strong mentally to make it through those final miles. Here are some tips for making it to the finish line of a marathon.
For the first 8 - 10 miles of a marathon, the important thing is to take your time. Get settled into a smooth pace and if you have to - make sure you are holding yourself back from going out too quickly. Too many marathon runners get all caught up in the excitement and take off at the start. It's easy to want to - you're excited and well trained. But, trust me; you want to save that excess energy for later in the race.
If many runners are passing you in the first few miles, don't worry about it. Keep in mind how far you have to go. Stay at a pace you're comfortable with - you'll probably catch up with those runners later that are starting out too fast.
For the middle miles, it's important to keep mentally tough. Don't think about how tired you are and "I've got so much more to go". Break up the race into smaller and more manageable pieces. Think - I've only got a 10K left to go. Or just think about making it from one water stop to the next. At around mile 18, you can tell yourself that you've over 2/3 of the way there. These little mind games really do help.
Also, think keeping positive. These are the miles where you may start thinking that you can't do it. Don't let that self-doubt creep in. Keep in mind how well you've trained. Also, keep saying positive things to yourself - "I am a strong runner", or whatever works for you. Just keep it positive.
After mile 20 is where you really need to keep you mind in the game. You may be feeling the distance, and you may be tired. So, you really need to keep up being positive mentally. Keep saying positive things to yourself. Watch the spectators - listen to their support, read their signs. Remember how tired you may have felt during your longer training runs so that you know that you can make it through. You've worked hard to get this far!
During these last few miles, you still want to break up the course into smaller pieces. Just concentrate on getting to the next mile marker and you'll be surprised how fast you get to the finish line.
