Benefits , challenges, how the body responds and the things to do for a better performance during this holy month and i wish a happy day for all the runners all over the world ❤
My advice: start your long runs at the same time the race is gonna start! I'm a morning to mid-morning runner and once ran a half-marathon at "night" (I think starting time was 9 or 9:30pm) - I was absolutely not used to run after a full day of eating (even though I was being careful with what I ate on that day) and it was THE worst!!
10km, use the race stations only. Half or Full marathons I use a belt. I also carry a small bottle of sports drink so I can skip the first drink station as it's often a bit crowded. As for visualisation, I always search UA-cam for videos of the course. You can usually find a video of some brilliant soul who has walked/run/driven through the course before and filmed it. Helps me relax about the course if it's new for me and plan when I will take gels etc. Make the most of modern day technology!
For a road race, you can often use Google Maps Street View to scope out the route - lets you look around wherever you want, to check for landmarks etc.
My big mistake is overdressing. I've done several marathons where it's very cold at the start and eventually heats up to where I have to tie my jacket around my waist. Also if you have to wear compression on your legs (like with lympedema), it's a challenge to not overheat.
Yeah totally agree. If you are not cold at the start you are over dressed. In a marathon especially the last thing you want is to be sweating as dehydration will really affect you
Watching this prior to Manchester on Sunday. I wear a belt for my long runs and will be using my own gels as the ones at the aid stations are different. Shakeout run tonight. Love the RC videos and podcast.
Maranoia - love this term. Going into my first half marathon, the two weeks prior were absolute garbage, I felt terrible on runs, feet and shins started hurting. I ended up changing kit (shoes) 6 days before the race, and ended up being happy with better than expected results. The flip side is dont keep doing what isnt working for you; make the change that is needed if you have to. Love al the RC videos and definitely Team Sarah.
I take gels with me and use the water stations, not ran a marathon in a number of years mind, maybe next year. Going off too fast if my downfall, saying that, age brings wisdom, that and I'm a tad slower these days so it's not quite an issue as it once was. 🙂
A tip I always give people is never go on holiday during a marathon training block - especially not in the last 6 weeks. It may be a different climate, you likely won't be sticking to your training plan, eating and drinking different things, etc
Another great video! I am guity of all of those, especially the hydration one - I forgot my electrolyte drink on one of the hottest days of the year oops! Would love to see a race day hacks video. Like taking some oats or rice cakes with the food, or easiest way to pin your bib on, simple things to stop blister and any of the other weird and wonderful things us crazy guys and gals do before a race to make it easier.
I always drink a espresso shot before every running, on race day I was not accounting for not having coffee where I was staying and too pressured to make it to the start to find a coffee shop in the morning. Definitely something to think about when traveling for a race.
I usually run with a hydration vest on a marathon. It's just so long and I find it easier to sip than chug at an aid station. No threat of dehydration when I can slowly drink along the way!
No alcohol the day before! Also in the last day before the race, especially if you're in a tourist spot, resist the urge to do any long walks with family or friends to sights - unless you're next level superfit, or the likes of an ultra runner. The last day is resting and carb loading, nothing else - maybe a short 5k/Parkrun or the like, but nothing else. People you're with might be irritated you're not out with them all day, but your race will go better, faster, and less pain and cramps after if you rest up.
Spent the day before Paris queuing for Eiffel Tour with family. Pretty sure that cost me valuable minutes. But special time with family. NO messing before London in 3 weeks!
Forgetting to put vaseline on all the places. If you don’t, your post-race shower will remind you 😄 I’ve started running all races half marathon and up with my hydration vest. It lets me carry enough electrolytes as well as water in case the water tables aren’t there when I need them. And it gives you somewhere to stuff all those gels. A belt in combination with a hand-held bottle can work, but I just love being hands-free and wouldn’t go back!
I carry the gels only, use the water stations to drink electrolytes. I'm guilty of trying new gels on race day but it was a calculated risk, I've used that same brand, just not that particular gel. It was a good decision because these were targeted at running in hotter days with more salts and the race was quite hot the last 15 Km, as expected.
I have run marathons without carrying any hydration and using aid stations, I have also used a hydration belt to good effect in London 2014 in a 24c heatwave and I have also run marathons with running packs hydration vests, it depends what your goals are but I think running marathons with hydration is a lot more enjoyable than just using aid stations, if you rely on aid stations it can all go wrong on the day
As far as doing things wrong on race lead up, I ran a 20min park run the day before Brighton marathon which I think was a mistake, I was running Brighton dressed in a fleece onesie in a 23c heatwave, it was hard 😂
Currently training for my next marathon, in June 200 miles inside the artic circle and an evening start! All new to me. Planning on taking my usual nutrition with me and have purchased some of the hydration stuff that will be on course to see how it does for me. I’m usually pretty brand neutral but better safe than sorry. Any advice on prepping for an evening marathon would be appreciated.
Before my first marathon I took carb loading a bit too seriously, ate way too much the day before and it showed the next day, nothing serious but I just felt off since I got up. I eat normally the day before ever since, I avoid anything that might cause me digestive problems, and it's been working well.
Belt for me. I can fit the gels and 2 flasks 250ml each. That's enough cause I can tolerate a very concentrated electrolyte+carb drink mix, and i can supplement with plain water from the aid stations, so i don't have to risk using their electrolyte. But i feel i got lucky with the flipbelt as their medium size fits me perfectly when loaded like that.
One very important thing that may be hard to do if you your race is abroad but will help tremendously, at least it would've helped me a lot, is to run or walk the same route of the marathon/half marathon in advance. This will not only help you better visualize yourself in the days before the race how you are gonna attack and manage each section, but it will also be important in the latest stages to exactly know how much distance and inclinations you will have to sustain before the finish line. I ran my first half marathon not knowing very well the city and the route I ran in, it was fine for the first 15k, but when the muscular pain and strain started to really kick in the last 5-6kms it would've helped tremendously to know these things and be able to exert every last bit of energy I had in me.
I wear a belt with a couple of gels for a HM and 5/6 gels for a Marathon but I usually don't take all of them. I just use the aid stations to drink water. My biggest issue, especially for Marathons, is that I'm often mentally defeated right before the start, all the most negative thoughts fill my head and it's hard to get rid of them.
I don't carry water if they have good aid stations on a road race but do carry nutrition. This was rough for a marathon because I wanted to bring 6, which would be too bulky in my normal shorts and too bouncy in a belt so I switched to running tights with good pockets and practiced in them for weeks ahead of time.
I don't dare to hydrate right on race day in the morning, I'm so afraid of having to pee during a race. Everything else I'm okay with. I only run with belt and trust the organizers to provide enough water/iso drinks. Worked well in my few marathons :)
Great tips! Many of which you mentioned, I'm sort of doing them. I will find out what sports drink the race is supplying during the race and practice on that brand before the race. I also bring my fuel, mainly dried fruits eg. mango or pineapple. These usually could be placed in the pockets on the running gears. So I don't run with belt or hydration vest.
Marathon number 5 at Brighton on Sunday! I'd recommend carrying water in a belt or pack you're used to, then you can drink when you need and don't have to hold anything. Don't trust the loops on some shorts that are meant to hold gels!!!
Coming into the last few weeks of training for the marathon and I’ve had an injury so had to take the week off, hopefully better to make the big day and not push through and not.
Excellent! A slight tangent on eating. I stayed at my sister's house the night before a marathon. She cooked a nice meal, very familiar and *normal*. However I could uncomfortably feel and taste it during the race itself: I'd forgotten that living alone I don't have meat, spuds and 2 veg except at Christmas! On marathons 95% of the time I use the water stations. I take a tasty bar of.. whatever... couple of 100 calories.
Belt vs Hydration pack vs aid stations: liquid from aid stations only. I have a belt but only for some extra gels depending on the course availability. I'd never wear a hydration west on a supported course. West is ultra marathon equipment.
I only use the aid stations, a belt feels too uncomfortable and never used a vest, but did not need it either. Had some organised trainings distances for the marathon (20,25,30,32 km) with drink stations along the road. And up until 20km I train without hydration along the way (weather was not too hot though). Got myself new shoes the week before, ran 2 short trainings on them. On top of that, I started using gels during the marathon for the first time, since I barely made the 30 and 32 km, it worked out for me :)
Thankfully I have a solid stomach, so I absolutely love trying ALL the new foods at the aid stations. I do 50ks so we're talking quesadillas, Mac n cheese, bacon, chili... the chili at mile 20 miles i did regret! 😂 🤢 My biggest issue has been expos or tourism, if there's something fun around the day before. My big race every year is at a resort with a water park. I walk all afternoon and climb steps to slides. Genius! But hey, I'm not racing in the Olympics, and a happy husband means a supportive encouraging husband, which is well worth the extra minutes added to my race time.
I’ll run LM with a belt. I used the belt for most of my runs, but a vest for my 16, 18 and 20 milers. I carry my own gels and tailwind in my water bottles
I take Gels with me but use the aid stations for liquid I prefer to not run with stuff if I can help this. Did Hullavington 20 the other week to practice this. 😁 London in a few weeks can't wait. 😁
I’m running virtual London marathon in April. Doing it over Dartmoor. Never really carry anything on runs, family will meet me along route with water and jelly beans. Gels Iv never got on with, don’t do anything for me apart from mess up my stomach 🤣 roll on 23rd April, excited and feeling good. First time ever following a proper plan!
I train in a vest that I love, I'd like to wear it in a marathon, but I don't because I don't see many others doing it. I figure 750ml isn't that heavy, and I could cruise past aid stations, and advice or thoughts would be welcome. I run sub 3:30
I made the mistake that the morning of my marathon I ate my usual pb bar as I did at training. Well I just thought "why not have 2? Nothing new it would make me fuller right?" 10 minutes before the start I had to find the potty and FAST! Will never do that again. I'm doing a 12 hour race in July. Hoping to go 35-40 miles. I'm so nervous 😢
I do mountain races so carrying a bumbag/vest to carry essential kit that is not usually needed for road races.I did Eryri marathon last year in 3:37 which was not quite the time I wanted. I set off far too quickly setting 5k 5mile 10k 10mile and 1/2 marathon Pbs in the first half ear in mind the first 5mile is uphill. I bonked halfway as shown, I was 69minute halfway and 3:37 when I finished. It didn’t help that i was slow taking water and nutrition on and when I did I almost threw it back up again.
I purely use aid station on marathon for hydration, as long as they offer isotonic liquids. And I carry 2 gels with me, though I only used one on my last marathon and it it was enough. Notice that you should adapt you nutrition plan according to your predicted race time. The longer you run, the more fuel you need.
Still training for my first definitely will use a hydration vest. I hate the idea of drink station stress. I'll just pass and run around that chaos thank you very much.
@Alex M 20+ per mile? Thats over 1 minute per station. I've run a few big city marathons and never lost more than a few seconds grabbing a bottle? And I save much more not carrying the weight of water. Each to their own though 👍 there is no right or wrong
@@jamesdrury6627 maybe it was how the stations were set up. Cups with a couple ounces of liquid, no bottles. Big city marathon, small stations at ever mile but I literally had to stop and walk (because there were huge crowds) for 5-10 seconds to grab water before trying to break free of the crowd; which took another 5-10 seconds. And if I wanted water AND electrolytes (separate tables) then that meant an additional delay. With all the stopping I couldn’t keep a good rhythm either so it threw me way off. I don’t like the idea of extra weight, so I’ll try to figure out how to properly hydrate and keep my rhythm before my next race day.
On race day I use the aid stations for hydration and carry my own gels. I also have a friend hand me a drink (red powerade) at about the halfway mark. For me hydration is always a challenge so I take a cup (usually 2, one water, one electrolytes) from almost every aid station even if I only drink a mouth full.
Leading up to my 4th marathon I had a minor cold/flu and got up early and had a big breakfast. Not good. About 26km into it I done a big v8 power chuck(vomit). All my fuel gone so had to make sure I got all my hydration at water stations. Won’t change eating habits again before a big race.
I enjoyed too many gluten foods 3days before to carb load. Race morning standing in coral I started having inflammation issues from foot to calf. By Mile 13 I was hobbling. 6 months of training to hobble 😩. Never again! But, at least now I know!
interesting comment re the gluten. I have arthritis in my feet and sometimes it gets really painful. I may look at reducing my glute intake and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the tip.
@@tracie850 i also have arthritis (psoriatic arthritis), but since the only thing I did differently was carb loading (w/high gluten foods) I felt it might be related. I scheduled a Drs appointment and got tested for celiac’s and it came out positive. So at least I did learn something from it.
59 Years old 3:08 Marathon and I use a racing vest with 2 x 600ml soft flasks using tailwind and 3 Gels 10, 20 & 30km marks. Only use one goal time because anymore its easy then to cope out. I don't need or use visualization. Sorry too old school for that. Just focus on the task at hand.
@@jamesdrury6627 thanks. My advise is to ignore this A, B & C goal business everyone talks about and just pick 1 and go for it. So easy to cop out when it gets tough and you drop to your B Goal. Realistically you really aren't happy unless you get your A goal anyway. Haha.
Ha ha. You are right. I think for your 1st or 2nd maybe an A, B, C is a good idea. For my 4th Mara. Anything other than sub 3:30 and I will be gutted :-) A goal or go home 😆
My very first race ever, unseasonable sudden 85f temps. Race ran out of water at aid stations. I've never relied on race hydration again. I run my races the way > train: with a hydration belt.
Also before my 5th marathon I went to a world title fight the night before. Didn’t eat a proper meal that night and only had about 3 hours sleep before the race.
The worst thing I did before a marathon was get a severe chest infection! However, food is super important and can ruin your race if you get it wrong - these days I turn up with several boiled eggs and a lump of cheese for my breakfast as I can't be sure what's on offer.
And remember, its all in your mindset. The marathon (althou a respected distance and achivment none the less), is just a distance. Dont think its long, and though. Think off it like it is a walk in the park
I try and stick to Pasta a week before and just eat Pasta based meals all week, porridge on the morning of race day, as for gels they are the devil, just filling your body up with sugar and then getting washing machine belly lol not for me, your better of having 2 chocolate degestives during a race. Hi 5 powder is fantastic for during a long run if you have a dehydration backpack on.
In 2016,I went to Paris to run the marathon. While shopping for groceries I found a Belgian beer I adore, and all I did every night for 5 days was to drink that beer. Pretty sure that is one thing you shouldn't do before a marathon 😂
@@runningchannel Thanks for asking, I’m ok thanks. Just keeping it sensible now to get to the start line and enjoy the experience of the day. There will be other races to chase a PB. Who knows if I’ll get to do London again.
I’m too competitive to ever run a Parkrun easy 😂 But a 10-20 min easy run the day before can definitely be nice to keep things loose and burn off some nervous energy.
Worst thing I ever did before a marathon, had a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a couple pints for lunch the day before the Boston Marathon last year... 🤢
I train with a camelpac, planning to use it during the marathon. I’m still new to this long distance thing, but can I still do a half marathon training 2 weeks before I run the marathon?
Doing my first marathon in 4 weeks time and since my long runs went over 15 miles i have been using a camelpac everytime,i am going to use it on the day,it just doesn't really bother me in the slightest having it on and love having fluid on demand.I have only been running 2 years so am not an expert but 12 or 13 miles seems about right to me 2 weeks before the big one.
The McMillan plans generally have a fast-finish long run of about 25km two weeks before the race so sounds perfect. Try to accelerate 2-3km before the end to practice finishing strong!
@Rogel Lunaria yeah fair enough 👍 I guess my philosophy is to copy people faster than you and the nearer you get to the front of the race less people are carrying drinks
I study the course route and plan everything, down to the hydration schedule so I can avoid having to do a porta-potty stop. I have a running belt with planned gels and chews, and I try to include the food/water stops on the course during my training runs so I know how to pace my fuel/hydration.
For urban marathons - aid stations EVERY time! I dont want to carry anything more than necessary, so a handful of gels only in my pocket! Biggest mistakes? Always going too fast, not so much at beginning - but at 20k when confidence feels great and I start believing I can overachieve and start accelerating.. (always seems to go wrong at 30+ though!)
I’ve found this to me EXTREMELY important: never eat red meat the day prior to the race! Whenever I eat the healthiest foods possible (it can be difficult depending on the race location), my experience has always been better 😃
I don't know what the rules on importing food are, but I had roo jerky taken off me at customs when coming back to Blighty. Worth finding out if you're travelling abroad.
What mistakes are you guilty of?
Saw the title, probably done all of them. Did the last two with Plantar Fasciitis but I think I might have finally defeated it.
We want an episode about running at ramadan (fasting) as an experiment
Benefits , challenges, how the body responds and the things to do for a better performance during this holy month and i wish a happy day for all the runners all over the world ❤
Trying new nutrition before race day. Contributed to subpar result of my Boston time (along with left knee problems)
Starting too fast and not good nutrition handling
My advice: start your long runs at the same time the race is gonna start!
I'm a morning to mid-morning runner and once ran a half-marathon at "night" (I think starting time was 9 or 9:30pm) - I was absolutely not used to run after a full day of eating (even though I was being careful with what I ate on that day) and it was THE worst!!
The best advice ever!
Yep, exactly
10km, use the race stations only. Half or Full marathons I use a belt. I also carry a small bottle of sports drink so I can skip the first drink station as it's often a bit crowded. As for visualisation, I always search UA-cam for videos of the course. You can usually find a video of some brilliant soul who has walked/run/driven through the course before and filmed it. Helps me relax about the course if it's new for me and plan when I will take gels etc. Make the most of modern day technology!
Oh that's genius! The first stations always has a 2 minute queue
For a road race, you can often use Google Maps Street View to scope out the route - lets you look around wherever you want, to check for landmarks etc.
My big mistake is overdressing. I've done several marathons where it's very cold at the start and eventually heats up to where I have to tie my jacket around my waist. Also if you have to wear compression on your legs (like with lympedema), it's a challenge to not overheat.
Dress like it’s 30° warmer than it actually is
Yeah totally agree. If you are not cold at the start you are over dressed. In a marathon especially the last thing you want is to be sweating as dehydration will really affect you
Watching this prior to Manchester on Sunday. I wear a belt for my long runs and will be using my own gels as the ones at the aid stations are different. Shakeout run tonight. Love the RC videos and podcast.
Maranoia - love this term. Going into my first half marathon, the two weeks prior were absolute garbage, I felt terrible on runs, feet and shins started hurting. I ended up changing kit (shoes) 6 days before the race, and ended up being happy with better than expected results. The flip side is dont keep doing what isnt working for you; make the change that is needed if you have to. Love al the RC videos and definitely Team Sarah.
I take gels with me and use the water stations, not ran a marathon in a number of years mind, maybe next year. Going off too fast if my downfall, saying that, age brings wisdom, that and I'm a tad slower these days so it's not quite an issue as it once was. 🙂
A tip I always give people is never go on holiday during a marathon training block - especially not in the last 6 weeks. It may be a different climate, you likely won't be sticking to your training plan, eating and drinking different things, etc
Doing a high altitude training during 3 weeks before marathon raceday, in a foreign country. Hope it's gonna work 😅.
Another great video! I am guity of all of those, especially the hydration one - I forgot my electrolyte drink on one of the hottest days of the year oops! Would love to see a race day hacks video. Like taking some oats or rice cakes with the food, or easiest way to pin your bib on, simple things to stop blister and any of the other weird and wonderful things us crazy guys and gals do before a race to make it easier.
I always drink a espresso shot before every running, on race day I was not accounting for not having coffee where I was staying and too pressured to make it to the start to find a coffee shop in the morning. Definitely something to think about when traveling for a race.
I wear a hydration vest. I like having everything I need handy whenever I need it (instead of waiting until I get to an aid station).
I usually run with a hydration vest on a marathon. It's just so long and I find it easier to sip than chug at an aid station. No threat of dehydration when I can slowly drink along the way!
No alcohol the day before! Also in the last day before the race, especially if you're in a tourist spot, resist the urge to do any long walks with family or friends to sights - unless you're next level superfit, or the likes of an ultra runner.
The last day is resting and carb loading, nothing else - maybe a short 5k/Parkrun or the like, but nothing else. People you're with might be irritated you're not out with them all day, but your race will go better, faster, and less pain and cramps after if you rest up.
Spent the day before Paris queuing for Eiffel Tour with family. Pretty sure that cost me valuable minutes. But special time with family.
NO messing before London in 3 weeks!
Forgetting to put vaseline on all the places. If you don’t, your post-race shower will remind you 😄
I’ve started running all races half marathon and up with my hydration vest. It lets me carry enough electrolytes as well as water in case the water tables aren’t there when I need them. And it gives you somewhere to stuff all those gels.
A belt in combination with a hand-held bottle can work, but I just love being hands-free and wouldn’t go back!
For road races I carry two handhelds. One with my own carb/electrolyte mix, one pure water.
I carry the gels only, use the water stations to drink electrolytes. I'm guilty of trying new gels on race day but it was a calculated risk, I've used that same brand, just not that particular gel. It was a good decision because these were targeted at running in hotter days with more salts and the race was quite hot the last 15 Km, as expected.
I have run marathons without carrying any hydration and using aid stations, I have also used a hydration belt to good effect in London 2014 in a 24c heatwave and I have also run marathons with running packs hydration vests, it depends what your goals are but I think running marathons with hydration is a lot more enjoyable than just using aid stations, if you rely on aid stations it can all go wrong on the day
As far as doing things wrong on race lead up, I ran a 20min park run the day before Brighton marathon which I think was a mistake, I was running Brighton dressed in a fleece onesie in a 23c heatwave, it was hard 😂
Currently training for my next marathon, in June 200 miles inside the artic circle and an evening start! All new to me. Planning on taking my usual nutrition with me and have purchased some of the hydration stuff that will be on course to see how it does for me. I’m usually pretty brand neutral but better safe than sorry. Any advice on prepping for an evening marathon would be appreciated.
3:28 I plan on putting my gels in my arm sleeves.. training for Toronto marathon May 7th
Before my first marathon I took carb loading a bit too seriously, ate way too much the day before and it showed the next day, nothing serious but I just felt off since I got up.
I eat normally the day before ever since, I avoid anything that might cause me digestive problems, and it's been working well.
Belt for me. I can fit the gels and 2 flasks 250ml each. That's enough cause I can tolerate a very concentrated electrolyte+carb drink mix, and i can supplement with plain water from the aid stations, so i don't have to risk using their electrolyte. But i feel i got lucky with the flipbelt as their medium size fits me perfectly when loaded like that.
One very important thing that may be hard to do if you your race is abroad but will help tremendously, at least it would've helped me a lot, is to run or walk the same route of the marathon/half marathon in advance. This will not only help you better visualize yourself in the days before the race how you are gonna attack and manage each section, but it will also be important in the latest stages to exactly know how much distance and inclinations you will have to sustain before the finish line.
I ran my first half marathon not knowing very well the city and the route I ran in, it was fine for the first 15k, but when the muscular pain and strain started to really kick in the last 5-6kms it would've helped tremendously to know these things and be able to exert every last bit of energy I had in me.
I wear a belt with a couple of gels for a HM and 5/6 gels for a Marathon but I usually don't take all of them. I just use the aid stations to drink water. My biggest issue, especially for Marathons, is that I'm often mentally defeated right before the start, all the most negative thoughts fill my head and it's hard to get rid of them.
hydration vest is the way, I mean I train with it, regardless of the terrain, trail or the road. So its a no brainer to take it on my event.
I don't carry water if they have good aid stations on a road race but do carry nutrition. This was rough for a marathon because I wanted to bring 6, which would be too bulky in my normal shorts and too bouncy in a belt so I switched to running tights with good pockets and practiced in them for weeks ahead of time.
I don't dare to hydrate right on race day in the morning, I'm so afraid of having to pee during a race. Everything else I'm okay with. I only run with belt and trust the organizers to provide enough water/iso drinks. Worked well in my few marathons :)
I used to use a belt but the last 8 months changed to a vest, and for me I think it's been the best move as the wait is better distributed
Great tips! Many of which you mentioned, I'm sort of doing them.
I will find out what sports drink the race is supplying during the race and practice on that brand before the race. I also bring my fuel, mainly dried fruits eg. mango or pineapple. These usually could be placed in the pockets on the running gears. So I don't run with belt or hydration vest.
I only use the hydration stations. I alternate between the electrolyte drink and water.
Marathon number 5 at Brighton on Sunday! I'd recommend carrying water in a belt or pack you're used to, then you can drink when you need and don't have to hold anything.
Don't trust the loops on some shorts that are meant to hold gels!!!
Depends on the distance and weather, too hot and i use a running back pack for hydration, nice conditions i use a belt.
I'd love to see more challenges on this channel.
Thanks for the tips Sarah!!!👍
I confess that i only use the stuff from the Aid Stations (exept 1-2 two gels, usually from the race-pack) 😅
Same!
Coming into the last few weeks of training for the marathon and I’ve had an injury so had to take the week off, hopefully better to make the big day and not push through and not.
Excellent!
A slight tangent on eating. I stayed at my sister's house the night before a marathon. She cooked a nice meal, very familiar and *normal*. However I could uncomfortably feel and taste it during the race itself: I'd forgotten that living alone I don't have meat, spuds and 2 veg except at Christmas!
On marathons 95% of the time I use the water stations. I take a tasty bar of.. whatever... couple of 100 calories.
Belt vs Hydration pack vs aid stations: liquid from aid stations only. I have a belt but only for some extra gels depending on the course availability. I'd never wear a hydration west on a supported course. West is ultra marathon equipment.
I only use the aid stations, a belt feels too uncomfortable and never used a vest, but did not need it either. Had some organised trainings distances for the marathon (20,25,30,32 km) with drink stations along the road. And up until 20km I train without hydration along the way (weather was not too hot though).
Got myself new shoes the week before, ran 2 short trainings on them. On top of that, I started using gels during the marathon for the first time, since I barely made the 30 and 32 km, it worked out for me :)
Thankfully I have a solid stomach, so I absolutely love trying ALL the new foods at the aid stations. I do 50ks so we're talking quesadillas, Mac n cheese, bacon, chili... the chili at mile 20 miles i did regret! 😂 🤢 My biggest issue has been expos or tourism, if there's something fun around the day before. My big race every year is at a resort with a water park. I walk all afternoon and climb steps to slides. Genius! But hey, I'm not racing in the Olympics, and a happy husband means a supportive encouraging husband, which is well worth the extra minutes added to my race time.
My biggest issue is getting serious stressed anxious about an upcoming marathon they really aren't that bad.
I’ll run LM with a belt. I used the belt for most of my runs, but a vest for my 16, 18 and 20 milers. I carry my own gels and tailwind in my water bottles
I take Gels with me but use the aid stations for liquid I prefer to not run with stuff if I can help this. Did Hullavington 20 the other week to practice this. 😁
London in a few weeks can't wait. 😁
I’m running virtual London marathon in April. Doing it over Dartmoor. Never really carry anything on runs, family will meet me along route with water and jelly beans. Gels Iv never got on with, don’t do anything for me apart from mess up my stomach 🤣 roll on 23rd April, excited and feeling good. First time ever following a proper plan!
Have you tried Maurten gels? They’re the only ones I can handle. Just a bit pricier than most.
@@livewire1957239 I will have a look. Thank you for advice
Great tips!!!
Definitely guilty of 2 things - not having the right meal the night before at the hotel and gels bought at the pre race expo. 😂
I train in a vest that I love, I'd like to wear it in a marathon, but I don't because I don't see many others doing it.
I figure 750ml isn't that heavy, and I could cruise past aid stations, and advice or thoughts would be welcome.
I run sub 3:30
Only way to know is to try it! What have you got to lose? If it doesn’t work out, there will always be another marathon.
I made the mistake that the morning of my marathon I ate my usual pb bar as I did at training. Well I just thought "why not have 2? Nothing new it would make me fuller right?" 10 minutes before the start I had to find the potty and FAST! Will never do that again. I'm doing a 12 hour race in July. Hoping to go 35-40 miles. I'm so nervous 😢
I do mountain races so carrying a bumbag/vest to carry essential kit that is not usually needed for road races.I did Eryri marathon last year in 3:37 which was not quite the time I wanted. I set off far too quickly setting 5k 5mile 10k 10mile and 1/2 marathon Pbs in the first half ear in mind the first 5mile is uphill. I bonked halfway as shown, I was 69minute halfway and 3:37 when I finished. It didn’t help that i was slow taking water and nutrition on and when I did I almost threw it back up again.
Good video. Decent tips there
I purely use aid station on marathon for hydration, as long as they offer isotonic liquids. And I carry 2 gels with me, though I only used one on my last marathon and it it was enough.
Notice that you should adapt you nutrition plan according to your predicted race time. The longer you run, the more fuel you need.
Still training for my first definitely will use a hydration vest. I hate the idea of drink station stress. I'll just pass and run around that chaos thank you very much.
I’ve been thinking the same. The aid stations kill my pace by 20+ seconds per mile - especially at busier marathons
@Alex M 20+ per mile? Thats over 1 minute per station. I've run a few big city marathons and never lost more than a few seconds grabbing a bottle? And I save much more not carrying the weight of water. Each to their own though 👍 there is no right or wrong
@@jamesdrury6627 maybe it was how the stations were set up. Cups with a couple ounces of liquid, no bottles. Big city marathon, small stations at ever mile but I literally had to stop and walk (because there were huge crowds) for 5-10 seconds to grab water before trying to break free of the crowd; which took another 5-10 seconds. And if I wanted water AND electrolytes (separate tables) then that meant an additional delay. With all the stopping I couldn’t keep a good rhythm either so it threw me way off. I don’t like the idea of extra weight, so I’ll try to figure out how to properly hydrate and keep my rhythm before my next race day.
@Alex M I must have been lucky at my events I guess. All had bottles been held at arms length, so I've never even had to slow down really 👍
Keep the videos coming !!
On race day I use the aid stations for hydration and carry my own gels. I also have a friend hand me a drink (red powerade) at about the halfway mark. For me hydration is always a challenge so I take a cup (usually 2, one water, one electrolytes) from almost every aid station even if I only drink a mouth full.
Leading up to my 4th marathon I had a minor cold/flu and got up early and had a big breakfast. Not good. About 26km into it I done a big v8 power chuck(vomit). All my fuel gone so had to make sure I got all my hydration at water stations. Won’t change eating habits again before a big race.
Never ran a marathon before. Hoping I'll learn what's best for me before race day😅
Nothing new on race day is a good rule to follow. 👍
I enjoyed too many gluten foods 3days before to carb load. Race morning standing in coral I started having inflammation issues from foot to calf. By Mile 13 I was hobbling. 6 months of training to hobble 😩. Never again! But, at least now I know!
interesting comment re the gluten. I have arthritis in my feet and sometimes it gets really painful. I may look at reducing my glute intake and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the tip.
@@tracie850 i also have arthritis (psoriatic arthritis), but since the only thing I did differently was carb loading (w/high gluten foods) I felt it might be related. I scheduled a Drs appointment and got tested for celiac’s and it came out positive. So at least I did learn something from it.
Great video Sarah becoming and expert! i used a belt for long running
59 Years old 3:08 Marathon and I use a racing vest with 2 x 600ml soft flasks using tailwind and 3 Gels 10, 20 & 30km marks. Only use one goal time because anymore its easy then to cope out. I don't need or use visualization. Sorry too old school for that. Just focus on the task at hand.
That's a great time. I'm hoping for 3:25 ish at Manchester in mid April
@@jamesdrury6627 thanks. My advise is to ignore this A, B & C goal business everyone talks about and just pick 1 and go for it. So easy to cop out when it gets tough and you drop to your B Goal. Realistically you really aren't happy unless you get your A goal anyway. Haha.
Ha ha. You are right. I think for your 1st or 2nd maybe an A, B, C is a good idea. For my 4th Mara. Anything other than sub 3:30 and I will be gutted :-) A goal or go home 😆
@@jamesdrury6627 Good luck in Manchester. Let us know how you get on.
@@alanshrimpton6787 I got my sub 3:30 yesterday 🙂 3:27:26.
My very first race ever, unseasonable sudden 85f temps. Race ran out of water at aid stations. I've never relied on race hydration again. I run my races the way > train: with a hydration belt.
Also before my 5th marathon I went to a world title fight the night before. Didn’t eat a proper meal that night and only had about 3 hours sleep before the race.
Guru Sarah 🙏
The worst thing I did before a marathon was get a severe chest infection! However, food is super important and can ruin your race if you get it wrong - these days I turn up with several boiled eggs and a lump of cheese for my breakfast as I can't be sure what's on offer.
Carry 2-3 gels but aid stations otherwise. Can’t imagine a vest or belt. Tried a belt and barely got out the door and was like, terrible idea! 😂
And remember, its all in your mindset. The marathon (althou a respected distance and achivment none the less), is just a distance. Dont think its long, and though. Think off it like it is a walk in the park
Just a 42km long park 😆
@@livewire1957239 well yes. When you train for ultra you do like 50km long runs every week😅
Excelent tips!!!!
I just carry myself that’s enough. Though I am doing my first marathon in may so see how it goes
I try and stick to Pasta a week before and just eat Pasta based meals all week, porridge on the morning of race day, as for gels they are the devil, just filling your body up with sugar and then getting washing machine belly lol not for me, your better of having 2 chocolate degestives during a race.
Hi 5 powder is fantastic for during a long run if you have a dehydration backpack on.
Get a shinsplint 3 weeks before the race and Covid 1 week before the race. Luckily for the 23k 1750+ 1 week later I could run again
In 2016,I went to Paris to run the marathon. While shopping for groceries I found a Belgian beer I adore, and all I did every night for 5 days was to drink that beer. Pretty sure that is one thing you shouldn't do before a marathon 😂
Don’t get injured before race day 🙄😬 3 weeks to get fit and ready for London
Oh no! Sorry to hear that Ceri! How are you feeling?
@@runningchannel Thanks for asking, I’m ok thanks. Just keeping it sensible now to get to the start line and enjoy the experience of the day. There will be other races to chase a PB. Who knows if I’ll get to do London again.
Good luck with the recovery
@@GTE_Channel thank you 😊
Definitely think an easy parkrun the day before the marathon followed by resting the rest of the day is a good idea.
We agree!
I’m too competitive to ever run a Parkrun easy 😂 But a 10-20 min easy run the day before can definitely be nice to keep things loose and burn off some nervous energy.
Check the weather & dress for the 2nd KM, nothing worse than carry stuff you dont need!
Worst thing I ever did before a marathon, had a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a couple pints for lunch the day before the Boston Marathon last year... 🤢
Ah yes....that won't make you feel great! How did the marathon go?
@@runningchannel I finished, not a PR though. 🤣🤣
I run with a hydration pack with 2 600ml flasks and a 2l bladder
Maranoia is real, Brighton on Sunday eek
I train with a camelpac, planning to use it during the marathon.
I’m still new to this long distance thing, but can I still do a half marathon training 2 weeks before I run the marathon?
Yes probably! My plan had 16 miles two weeks out, then 10 the week before (last Sat)
Doing my first marathon in 4 weeks time and since my long runs went over 15 miles i have been using a camelpac everytime,i am going to use it on the day,it just doesn't really bother me in the slightest having it on and love having fluid on demand.I have only been running 2 years so am not an expert but 12 or 13 miles seems about right to me 2 weeks before the big one.
I've done 3 Marathons and would say 13-15 miles 2 weeks out is a good distance. Then I do 8-10 as a long run 1 week out. Good luck. 👍
@@jamesdrury6627 thank you 💪🏻
The McMillan plans generally have a fast-finish long run of about 25km two weeks before the race so sounds perfect. Try to accelerate 2-3km before the end to practice finishing strong!
Start to fast😢, I bring gels and use water stops.
Why use electrolyte drinks? What do they do?
They help prevent cramp. I have an electrolyte drink before and carry 1 tablet which I drop in a drink at 1 of the aid stations around half way
Race with a belt with my own drinks and only take water at the station along the way.
Take a week off before the race give your body some rest and recover if your older than 35.
I race with an arm strap that holds my phone, and a couple of energy gels 👍
I carry my gels but use the water stations. I've never really understood why people carry their own water?
Some folks prefer their own nutrition drinks/mixes rather than what's available at aid stations.
@Rogel Lunaria yeah fair enough 👍 I guess my philosophy is to copy people faster than you and the nearer you get to the front of the race less people are carrying drinks
Hasnt happened to me I learn from all your mistakes
Doing a blood donation might be rough.
Wird genauso auch in ganz Asien gemacht, eventuell ohne TK Zutaten. Nichts neues 😂
Forget to use toillette b4 start
only use a belt with my gels in
I study the course route and plan everything, down to the hydration schedule so I can avoid having to do a porta-potty stop. I have a running belt with planned gels and chews, and I try to include the food/water stops on the course during my training runs so I know how to pace my fuel/hydration.
4:49 Man, English people pronounce “marinara” weird
For urban marathons - aid stations EVERY time! I dont want to carry anything more than necessary, so a handful of gels only in my pocket!
Biggest mistakes? Always going too fast, not so much at beginning - but at 20k when confidence feels great and I start believing I can overachieve and start accelerating.. (always seems to go wrong at 30+ though!)
Having a carvery dinner 15 minutes before the race?
Do NOT go for the hot wings the night before the half marathon.
Anyone else running Manchester Marathon on April 16th?
I am 👍 done it once before. Pretty flat and good support. Good luck
Nice
Thanks
I’ve found this to me EXTREMELY important: never eat red meat the day prior to the race! Whenever I eat the healthiest foods possible (it can be difficult depending on the race location), my experience has always been better 😃
How about falling over your dog and breaking your collarbone 7 days before the big event, doh!
I don't know what the rules on importing food are, but I had roo jerky taken off me at customs when coming back to Blighty. Worth finding out if you're travelling abroad.
If only there was a common market we could join to make importing and exporting goods easier.....