Coopah Recommends: Our top 5 First Time Marathon Tips
In this series of ‘Coopah Recommends’ blogs, we are going to share our top recommendations for the most common questions we get asked by our community of runners, and this blog is all about Our Top 5 First Time Marathon Tips.
If you are reading this, then you have either signed up to your first marathon (or are seriously considering it) which is awesome! Running a marathon is a huge achievement, but we also totally understand it probably feels a little daunting too.
At Coopah, we believe that everyone can become a marathon runner and enjoy the journey. That's why we've developed an app that offers personalised training plans, tailored to your fitness level and goals.
Here are our Top 5 Tips to kick start your journey to completing your first marathon!
Follow a training plan
Firstly, it's important to follow a training plan that is right for you. Some beginner runners make the mistake of overdoing it too soon, which can lead to injuries, while others risk being unprepared for race day by not doing enough. Our training plans are specifically designed to help you build up your running sensibly, with the right intensity and enough rest days for recovery.
Fundraise for an important cause
Another great tip is to fundraise for a charity that's important to you. Training for a marathon is challenging, both mentally and physically, so having something to motivate you can be really helpful, especially on difficult days. By raising money for your chosen charity, you can feel more obliged to make sure you get out and train, so you can do your best on the day! It's also a constant reminder of why you've chosen to do this!
Get kitted out
When it comes to training, it's important to have the right gear. We recommend getting a gait analysis to ensure that your trainers are the perfect fit for you, as this can prevent injuries in the future. And don't forget to try out all your kit a few times before race day - think of your training runs as a dress rehearsal and don't try anything new on the day!
Nailing your fuelling
Fuelling is essential for success. For runs longer than 90 minutes, you should start taking on fuel from around 45 minutes and then every 45 minutes going forward. There are lots of options out there, so we recommend trying a few products until you find something that works for you, and then sticking with it. And remember, don't try anything new on race day!
Enjoy it!
Above all, enjoy the process! Running your first marathon is a significant accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. If you want to train for a specific time, that's fantastic. But if you just want to enjoy the experience and take in the whole marathon journey, that's perfectly fine too. Our plans are designed to support anyone on their marathon journey, whether they are a first-time marathon runner or chasing a big personal best.
Download Coopah Today + let us help you make your first marathon a success!
A fully personalised training plan built around your availability and goals
Unlimited coaching support 24/7
Streaks and incentives to keep you motivated
Access to our community of other runners, physios and mental health experts to give you support and advice up to the day.
Track your progress and your weekly/monthly mileage