health and fitness: Ten things every first-time marathon runner needs to know

jeudi 3 mars 2016

Ten things every first-time marathon runner needs to know

Twenty-six and bit miles is a long way, but preparation can be a marathon in itself. Here’s how to make the start line in style

It’s not hard to spot a first-time marathon runner. If the Lycra, antisocial running times, colour-coded training plan, running watch and constant look of fear don’t give it away, then the plates of pasta and stack of gels certainly will.

However, what no one tells you when you sign up for a marathon – which is, let’s face it, a very long way – is that the word “marathon” isn’t just a description of the 26.2-mile endurance race you are going to run. In truth, the marathon journey is a lot longer than that (and I’m only six weeks in to training). It also involves a lot more than just running.