So, you have decided to take on the challenge that is 26.2 miles?  Congratulations…and what the heck are you thinking?  Lest we forget that Pheidippides died attempting the original feat?  Nonetheless, thousands of Americans chose every year to challenge themselves and push themselves to the brink.  For some, the goal is to win.  For others, the goal is to set a new best time.  For many, the goal is just to finish.  However, for all, these are some helpful tips with optimizing their skills for a marathon:

1) Do not over train.  It is not uncommon for would-be marathon runners to push themselves too hard leading up to the race.  There is really no need to be consistently going on twenty mile runs leading up to the race.  These are more likely to lead to injury before you even toe the starting line than they are help you prepare for the actual race.  I recommend getting yourself to the point where you can run 8 miles eight weeks prior to the marathon.  Then, add a mile for one long run a week each week thereafter (resulting in a 15 mile run one week prior).  If you can run 15 miles, you are in good enough shape to run a marathon – it is just about willpower after that.

2) Take a couple Ammodium before the race.  Your stomach may feel fine, but do not let a case of the runs ruin the run.

3) Do not be afraid to be a little liberal with the Vaseline before the race.  Chafing is not just uncomfortable; it can actually lead to bleeding over a three to five hour span (especially on the nipple and in the groin area).

4) Layer up the socks.  When socks become wet, they lose a lot of their cushioning and it becomes significantly more likely for blisters to form.  Blisters are a runner’s bane.  They can be very painful and even lead to infection if open up wide enough.  It is not uncommon for a runner to develop blisters in the early miles of a marathon and have to run 20+ miles on painful steps.  Finishing a marathon is grueling enough without having to deal without the painful misery of losing skin off your feet.  It is not uncommon for experienced runners to change out their socks a few times during the race.  However, most people will not want to take the time for a wheel change at a pit stop.  Going with multiple layers of well cushioned socks should suffice for most runners.

5) Reliable shoes are critical.  Make sure that your shoes fit perfectly and have been broken in.  Poor fitting or overly stiff shoes can not only lead to blisters, but also to injuries.

6) Know the difference between pain and injury.  Pain for a marathon is normal.  Very few people are careful of finishing a marathon without going to through many different kinds of nicks and cuts.  However, injury is a different story.  Should you experience an injury (strain, sprain, tendinitis, etc.), it is best to call it quits and live to fight another day.  Running a marathon on an injury is a good way to do some very serious, and potentially long-term, damage to that part of the body.

Most importantly, should you choose to tackle a marathon – have fun and be proud.  To run one is an accomplishment!

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