8 Final Tips for Your Marathon

“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

-John Bingham

This is it! The marathon is just a couple of days away, and you have trained as much as you could. Are you still wondering if there is something else that you can do to prepare yourself for the race? Instead of leaving things up to fate, follow these essential marathon tips to ensure that you have a great experience on the big day.

1. Don’t Try Anything New:

It’s always best to stick to something that you are already familiar with when it comes to the D-day. Even if you are tempted to wear those new pair of shoes, always stick to your regular ones. Breaking in new shoes or clothes on the day of the marathon may lead to blisters, chafing and other issues.

2. Trim Those Toe Nails:

You should definitely clip your toe nails before the marathon, else you might be in for a painful surprise. Apart from blisters on your feet from new shoes, long nails is also a deterrent while running long miles. Make sure that you keep the nails short, and with no sharp edges.

3. Keep Your Fluid Intake Down:

Even though you should always stay hydrated, nevertheless make sure that half an hour before the race you stop drinking water or any other fluids. During the race as well, take a few sips, instead of glugging the entire bottle. You can even opt for sports drink or plain water with electrolyte powder, as they contain salt and help against electrolyte depletion. Also, too much of fluid intake may make you run in another direction altogether, more specifically, to the portable toilet.

4. Reach Early:

It never hurts to be the early bird. Plan the entire morning schedule down to the last detail. Consider the transportation, the duration to reach the event, dry clothes to wear after the event, a bottle of water etc.

5. Stick to Your Regular Diet:

For days leading up to the race, you should always stick to familiar meals. The day before the big day, have a large meal at lunch and a light dinner. You can even eat dinner a little earlier than usual for good digestion. Avoid any spicy, fatty or junk food, as they may give you heartburn. For people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive, dairy products are best avoided.

6. Have Your Slogan Down:

There will be times when your body wants to give up on you. It’s at these exact moments, that your mind will take the lead and move your body forward. Have a mantra ready that you will repeat to yourself during these moments. Something as simple as “I can do this!” or “Keep running” will do. Make sure to have only positive affirmations.

7. Plan for Post-Race:

Yes! You made it to the finish line. But once exhilaration and euphoria lessens, you realize you now have to make it back home. At this point, everyone is exhausted and going off their own ways. You should have a plan ready to go back home as well. In case you have family and friends meeting you, make sure that they meet you near the finish line itself. You may be too tired to drive back home by yourself, so plan for that as well.

8. Say No to Litter:

Remember, most of these marathons promote charity and a good cause like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race held globally or the Tata Mumbai Marathon. You can also see charity runners as well as companies joining in to support the cause. Among other companies, Bajaj Electricals Ltd. has collaborated with the NGO, Paryavaran Mitra, and has selected Swachhta Abhiyaan as this year’s theme. So, when people, institutions and companies are coming together to raise awareness about such causes, the least we can do is ensure that we do not leave a mess behind, apart from our sweat and tears.

And finally smile. Smile for the cheering crowds, but most importantly smile for yourself. You made it!