What I Learnt From My First Marathon

Feeling inspired to take on a marathon? We've gathered some thoughts from our team on what they learnt from taking on their very first marathon, to help you on your journey to taking on those 26.2 miles.

Isabella Clark

When training from my first marathon, I learned the importance of investing in a good pair of running trainers. I initially got swayed by a pair of running trainers that had been overly hyped on social media. It turns out, they did not suit my running form and I was left with awful blisters. I would always recommend getting your running gait analysed to help you find what pair of running shoes suits your form which will, in turn, reduces your likelihood of injury.

Paddy Horning-Phelps

The biggest things I have learnt from my first marathon is to make sure I get plenty of sleep, hydrate and fuel myself properly. I got myself a coach to train me for 4 months, which helped me stay dedicated and committed to putting in my strength sessions, along with my runs, which also helped with preventing injury, which is super important. To sum up, fueling, training efficiently, and getting good recovery is key.

Michelle Stoodley 

My first marathon was London back in 2010 and I absolutely loved it. I still get emotional thinking back to that day and crossing the finish line, especially as it was one of my first ever races. My biggest takeaway from that race though was don’t under fuel, both in training and on the day itself. I was lucky not to hit the wall, but I definitely could have taken on more energy throughout the race to avoid the last six miles feeling so hellish. Marathon training isn’t a time to diet, you need ALL the calories to keep you going through the endless miles.

Nicole Le Rougetel

Make sure to choose your outfit out and wear exactly what you’ll wear beforehand, maybe a couple of long runs at least before so you know nothings rubbing. Embracing the crowds and the atmosphere, try not to get too in the zone with your headphones in, the crowds will cheer you through.

Get the training done, which is the hardest part… Then the day will feel amazing. 

Jordan Cunningham

I trained much longer than most people; as when I got the charity place for Muscular Dystrophy UK; I couldn't even complete a 5K without hyperventilating and feeling massively exhausted. I trained for just over 6 months diligently; it was the hardest challenge I've ever undergone - through freezing cold winters, rain, sun and more - the training for me was the most gruelling but it evolved me as a person - it showed how I could achieve anything I put my mind to; it proved how capable my body was and how much my mind could limit my physical capabilities. Marathon Day was hugely emotional - the support I had from people was emotionally overwhelming and even though every part of my body hurt; the energy emanating from people I didn’t even know; screaming for me to keep going was like rocket fuel for the soul. I will cherish the day forever - the power of the mind and the power of consistency truly shows we are far more capable than we think. 

Alice Ferreira

Tendons don’t give a damn about your Strava Kudos score.

The average marathon programme lasts around 20 weeks. Or 4-5 months. If calculated correctly, prescribed speeds, distances and time on feet will have been meticulously calculated for you based on your previous experience, fitness level and availability to train. Sometimes your mass, sex and height will even be taken into account.

Your cardiovascular system system is usually the fastest part of your body to build/adapt to your training. Then your muscles. And lastly, your ligaments and tendons. 

Because of the quick adaptation of our heart and lungs, we get cocky. “I feel good, so I’m going to push the last K of my easy run today” or “I’m feeling fine, I’m going to skip my Rest Day today and do some Strength” And this is when the injuries come.

Runner’s knee isn’t “normal”. Achilles Tendinitis isn’t something that should come “part n parcel” when you become a Runner. But sadly too many of us experience these injuries, and have normalised picking them up during big training programmes. The cause? Over training or increasing volume/intensity of sessions too soon.

Tendon and ligaments take a lot longer to build strength comparable to muscles. The load on them has to be increased incredibly gradually to avoid inflammation and worse, tearing or rupture. Most of the time tendon inflammation can be remedied relatively easily through rest and rehabilitation. However push through pain, train through these flare ups and you could easily cause a life-changing injury and potentially never run again. 

Follow a programme. Trust your coach. Save your ego for the finish line.

Andy Cannon

Control the things you can control and let go of the things you can’t. Be deliberate and stick to your plan with your fuelling: pre / Intra race, wear the shoes and outfit you’ve been training in, create your ULTIMATE playlist and stick to your guns with your pacing / splits- don’t get caught up in the atmosphere and go out too hot at the start line. Then anything else that comes your way: dodgy weather / unplanned toilet breaks / cramping / emotional breakdowns - you power through and overcome on the day. Every single race will be different and you will feel different - just go and enjoy the one you’re in.