02 Dec Running My First Marathon – 5 Lessons I Learnt

Why is it that some people choose to run 42.2km?

It’s on many people’s bucket lists, but less than 1% of the world’s population complete one.

If you are hoping to join the crazy 1% of people and run a marathon, read ahead…

You don’t need lots of expensive gear

There is so much pressure in the running community, particularly on social media, to have sunglasses, vests, different types of shoes, gels, socks etc. Whilst I highly suggest investing in a GOOD pair of running shoes (trust me), to be a ‘marathoner’ you don’t need all the expensive gear, as I certainly didn’t.

Fuel – you will get hungry! 

Food is fuel. Your body needs food to sustain 42.2km of running. I was shocked by how much I ate during the race. Every 5km I craved another banana, biscuit, energy drink, gel – anything I could get my hands on! This also applies to leading up to the marathon and training, feed your body! 

Walking is ok and sometimes necessary

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to run a distance without stopping? 10km is 10km whether you stop or not. The fact that you’re out there running is an achievement in itself!

During my marathon, I used every 5km water station as a chance to walk, refuel, and then continue on. I highly recommend googling the ‘Run-walk’ method and its benefits (can even improve your race time!). 

The mental battle

Nothing could’ve prepared me for the mental battle at 30-40km. Whilst my preparation wasn’t ideal (a story for another day!), my mental strength was challenged.The lesson from this? Training isn’t just about the running, it’s about learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, pushing through the hard moments so that the 42.2km mark doesn’t seem so scary.

Anyone can be a runner

Like I mentioned, there’s so much pressure to ‘look’ like a runner. During my race, I saw men, women, young, old, all shapes and sizes and different ethnicities. Some people who looked really fit would stop and walk, whilst 70 year olds managed to run the whole distance. 

So, are you reading to join the 1%? Good luck!

By Charlotte Ward