Marathon Tips to get you through the finish line!

These have been released on our socials in the lead up to the big day, but here they all are together incase you missed any!

• Fuelling 

  Fuelling before a long run It's so important to get this right, especially after breakfast! Have you mastered this?

  
  

• How’s that running niggle?

  Is it escalating into a ‘show stopping’ injury?

  Now’s the time to get it assessed. You may have tried “Doctor Google” and YouTube and you may have had success. Hooray!

  If not - then you know who to contact .....

  
  

• Clothes!

  Get used to that running top. Does the seam dig into you? Does it cause chafing? Are you getting too hot in those leggings after 15 miles?

  Get it right now so you feel your most comfortable on race day!

  
  

• Recovery is your friend!

  Recovery is key! After your weekly long runs and the training volume creeping up, how are you recovering?

  Do you stretch well or haven’t managed to make time to stretch? Do you use a foam roller - find it helpful? Have you ever had a maintenance sports massage?

  We are huge advocates for maintenance sports massages. Why?

  They can reduce the amount of muscle tightness and lactate (waste product) build up in the muscles, so you recover quicker and better, ready for the next week of training.

  
  

• Plan, plan, plan!

  Have you planned your route on race day? Road closures? Planned rail works? Get organised. Take the anxiety and stress out early. Be in control.

  There are many things which you can’t control during a marathon.

  But planning and preparation is one element which you can be in control of.

• Learn to say ‘No’ in the lead up to race day

  It feels harsh, I get it. But you’ve come so far. Now’s the time to conserve your energy - your mental energy and your physical energy.

  So get comfortable in saying ‘No’ to social events or extra work commitments in the lead up to race day.

  You will thank yourself for it come Mile 20-22, when you really need to start digging deep to find those energy reserves.

• Get a few good nights sleep the week leading up to the race

  The night before is unlikely to be a restful one due to the excitement (maybe nerves!).

  It has been shown that a good nights sleep two nights before the race, will have a bigger impact on the body for recovery and to prepare you for the big day.

• What is your ‘Why’?

  Why are you running this marathon?

  For a loved one? For a life time achievement? Due to a drunken bet that you lost?!

  Everyone is running for a unique reason - when the going gets tough on Sunday, remember YOUR 'Why'.

• Don't beat yourself up!

  Did you miss a couple of training runs during this year's training? Are you kicking yourself you missed these? Well....don't! It's done, it's in the past. look ahead, you've got 4 days to go. It's time to get prepared and stop feeling guilty that you missed that run.

  Channel this energy into positivity for the big day.

  YOU'VE GOT THIS!!

• Ease anxiety 🧠

  In the lead up to the start of the race, try to relax (easier said than done), talk to other competitors in your start box, chances are they are nervous too.

  Having a light hearted conversation will relax your nerves and theirs.

• Slow and steady wins the race

  It is going to be a long race, don't let the nervous energy affect your pacing and sprint off the start line or you'll burn out quickly.

  Also, when the pathway gets a little narrow, don't try to sprint through small gaps, it will be a waste of energy.

  
  

• Prepare your mind aswell as your body

  Your mind is a powerful object, believe you can and you will! Just remember, when your legs are feeling fatigued and are ready to give up, it's your mind that will carry you on!

  
  

• Run with your heart and your soul!

  You’ve done the training.

  You’ve run the miles.

  Yo’ve lived and breathed long distance training for weeks/months/maybe even years.

  Now’s the time.

  Run with your heart and soul.

  Remember your ‘Why’.

  You are so much stronger than you know.

  Now’s your time to shine. ✨

  Come and give us your best smile!

  We can’t wait to see you!

  
  

Book an appointment with our expert team now for pre and post marathon treatments, we would love to support your journey!

Call 0203 494 4343, email reception@svsportstherapy.com or you can also book online too!