Common mistakes to avoid when training for a marathon

The last thing any runner wants to happen during a marathon is to not finish the race due to fatigue or injury, which is why training should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, some people commit mistakes that prevent them from training correctly, resulting in unsatisfactory performances in marathons. 

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Here are some examples: 

Using an arbitrary goal time 

Oftentimes, those in marathon training fail to create a solid plan that centers on a goal time based that is realistic, reachable, and corresponding to their abilities and fitness levels. Running at a feel-good pace can prohibit the right kind of training for a marathon – one that must help the body cope optimally with the rigors of the endurance race. Pacing should also be practiced; thus, the goal time has to gradually increase over time. 

Improper nutrition intake 

Another important item in training for a marathon is establishing a right nutrition plan. Runners do not just have to determine what their diet would be while in training, but they also have to mimic their race-day nutrition strategy at least once during the training. This way, if there are issues in cramping, bonking, and even bathroom visits, they can tweak and adjust the plan accordingly. Furthermore, there must be a proportional increase in nutritional intake whenever mileage and intensity are also increased during the training. The calories-in versus the calories-out difference should be monitored diligently. 

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Read more tips on marathon training by checking out this Steven Rindner blog.