How do I run a marathon

Did you get a place? Most of us who entered know if we got a place in next year’s London Marathon. And if like me, you did, are you wondering, ‘how do i run a marathon?’ A marathon, a whole one! Wow, what was I thinking! I’m a mixed bag of emotions, from super-psyched to looking up tropical diseases I can get to back out of it!
 
Well don’t fret – we know how crucial your training plan is to your success on the day and it isn’t just about how far and fast you’re running so we’ve pulled together a list of top tips and products to kick-start you into action and get you fighting fit for the big day, along with some awesome recipes to make sure you are putting the right stuff into your body.

Your footwear
It’s essential that you have a shoe that fits you properly to avoid unnecessary injuries, so head to a pro running shop and get your gait anaylsed (that’s your running style) because if you’re serious about running the marathon it’s worth the investment. If you find a pair that fit well and are great to run in, then I’d recommend buying two pairs of them! With the distance you’ll be covering in training, you’ll be clocking up the miles and you don’t want them to wear out before the big day. We love RunnersNeed, Sweatshop and Asics flagship store for our gait analysis.

Be prepared
 
Ever heard of DOMS? It stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – basically after a long run or heavy workout you’re more likely to feel the effects in your muscles several hours later, or even the day after, and sometimes the day after that! But amazingly these nifty firefly sports recovery devices will help to reduce this. Popular with athletes, simply pop them on behind your knee after a run to increase blood circulation to your lower leg muscles and get you back into training quicker!

From £29.99, fireflyrecovery.com

Speed up
If you are really serious about performing at your best, it really is worth getting a gait analysis to assess how efficiently you run. Using video software and movement specialists, the assessment helps to improve your running technique so you run more efficiently and therefore quicker! It also helps reduce the likelihood of injury.

Your diet
 
All that pavement pounding can have a real impact on your body so keep your calcium intake high when you embark on your marathon training. You can supplement with a calcium supplement (go for calcium citrate, over calcium carbonate (aka chalk)) or why not start your day with a delicious, calcium-rich blackberry cheesecake smoothie by Kath Eats

Blackberry cheesecake smoothie

We Heart Living – blackberry cheesecake smoothie

Serves 2
2/3 cups rolled oats
½ cup cottage cheese
2 cups milk
2tbsp chia seeds
1 cup frozen berries
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender.
Stir together.
Put in fridge overnight.
In the morning, blend away!
Toppings included two blends of granola and Cacao Bliss chocolate coconut butter

For more great tips, check out next’s week!