Top Tips for Marathon Running

If you're training for a Spring marathon, you'll now be ramping up the miles and putting in some serious hours on the road. Training for a marathon is not only a physical, but a huge mental challenge, and maintaining focus during those long hours of training can be tough. Tackle the monotony of the long run with our top tips for marathon motivation.

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CHANGE UP YOUR ROUTE

As you build mileage, simply adding extra miles onto the same route can make the long run seem endless. Exploring new territory with different scenery and new external stimuli can help ease long run boredom. Throwing in a few gentle hills on an undulating route can also be more mentally stimulating than roads with long straight inclines, as well as helping to condition ancillary muscle groups, while round routes are psychologically easier than out and back. Always map your route in advance, and make sure to check elevation - don't get caught out by killer hills if you're planning a flattish route.

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GET SOCIAL

Running with friends can help the miles slip away under your feet. Find out if anyone else from your running club is marathon training or is up for some longer runs' or why not ask one of your running friends to join you for the last few miles?

You can also channel social media to provide an extra motivational push - you'll be amazed at how supportive your Facebook friends can be. Sharing your long run plans the night before means you're more likely to stick with them - especially if you're expected to report back. And don't forget, there are loads of running groups on Facebook with like-minded people who just like you, need that extra bit of motivation.

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GET GOING

So it's Sunday morning, you've an 18 mile run scheduled and it's cold outside' the temptation to stay in bed is overwhelming. This is where you need to be organised and minimise excuses for not running. Lay your kit out the night before, if it's cold then set the heating timer an hour earlier and set your alarm and leave it out of arm's reach from the bed. It can also be mentally easier to run first thing in the morning, rather than procrastinating about it until the afternoon. Make sure to plan a treat or reward for your return and remember' no one ever regrets getting out for a run, only not doing!

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SEE HOW FAR YOU'VE COME

The prospect of running the bigger miles in the later weeks of marathon training can seem daunting or even impossible. But wait' remember when you thought that about your first half marathon? Somewhere along the line as you trained for marathon distance, those tough 13.1 miles became an easy run. Keep your running consistent, stay with your plan, and you'll run those 20 milers - guaranteed. Go get 'em!

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Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!