Better for a run

42.195 km or 26.219 miles feels quite a daunting prospect when you are stood in the starting pen of a marathon. To get my head around it I have learnt to break it down into a number of more manageable chunks.

The first 5km

At the start of the marathon there is that nervous excitement over what lies ahead. When you cross that start line it is important you don’t get caught up in the moment and go off too fast or indeed go too slow. It can be easy to get in with the wrong group especially as some people always seem to go in the incorrect pen for their pace. Use the first 5km to get to the pace you have planned to run and runners going at a similar pace.

You are off and running!

Getting to 10km

Going past the 10km marker feels the first milestone achieved for the marathon. You will have settled into your pace and will be heading to a quarter of the race done.

Half way

You will hopefully have run a few half marathon distance runs in your training block so this should be a familiar distance and goal to knock off.

I like to use half way to take stock of my pace and how I am feeling. Am I running too fast or do I feel I can increase my pace a little.

It feels like every step now is reducing that second half marathon and getting nearer to the finish line.

Getting to 30km

This feels the hardest part of the race as there are no discernible milestones in this section. It is where you really have to work hard mentally and physically to keep clocking off the kms/miles.

I just focus on my pace and the km/mile in front of me. Use drinks stations and local landmarks as mini milestones. A trick I have also used is to picture where I would be on my training runs. For example at mile 16 I will be running down such and such road. It reminds me that I have done this distance and to keep going.

A couple of 5kms

At the 30km mark. Not much more than a 10km to go! This is where everyone will remind you the marathon really starts.

I like to break down into two 5km blocks. You run 5kms all the time right? It seems to help get through this tough section of the race.

The last push

The last 2.2km! Grit teeth through the aches and pains and let the crowds carry you through the last part of the marathon.

You’ve done it! Amazing!