4 Common Mistakes from Beginner Marathon Runners

There’s A LOT that goes into marathon training. It can be overwhelming for anyone, especially those that are navigating this journey for the first time. Even seasoned runners are guaranteed to make some mistakes in their journey each year.

For first-time runners, there are a few mistakes that are almost guaranteed to happen. If this is your first time through, how many of these might you be guilty of? If you’ve been here before, how many are you still struggling with today?

THE BIGGEST MARATHON MISTAKES:

Doing too much too soon (or too late)

A beginner runner may start too aggressively. Feeling they need to “catch up,” or “get ahead” (maybe because they feel behind or not fit enough yet), and the sudden increase in volume or intensity quickly leads to burnout or injury. A beginner runner may also ramp up mileage too fast at the end, feeling they’re behind and if they can squeeze in (force) a certain number of long runs at a specific distance (read 20 miles or beyond), then they’ll be better prepared. We need to work with where you are each day, not where you think you should be. One approach builds a fitter runner, and another sets a runner up for injury or worse.

Not investing in quality MARATHON gear or clothing.

Many times, this is largely because you don’t know what you don’t know. Fair! But your shoes are old and worn, your workout clothes are cotton and ill-fitting, you’re chafing on shorter runs. Then you search running gear for beginners on the internet or ask an online forum, and you’re inundated with suggestion after suggestion. Start by asking someone you trust, a running coach you respect, or go into your local running store (if you have one nearby) and have them talk you through your needs. And more expensive does not mean better. There are plenty of inexpensive items that come with great quality and lasting comfort. And get extra vaseline.

Overeating to “fuel” or recover between workouts, but underfueling in their workout.

You may not need to eat more, you may just need to fuel better. Many new runners are not consuming the carbs or fluids needed during their runs to perform better, feel better, and recover faster, and are instead eating more at their meals thinking they need to fuel for tomorrow’s workout or because their appetite has suddenly increased. A better intraworkout fueling plan may reduce overeating between workouts. Underfueling in your workout and immediately after may be making your appetites stronger at meals, causing overeating between workouts. Fuel more for your workouts, and feel better in the hours between.

Thinking they’re not qualified for a RUNNING coach yet (when they may be the most qualified).

Many new runners will avoid working with a coach because they feel that coaches are only for established or seasoned marathon runners. If they haven’t proven their worth yet, then coaching should be avoided (wrong). A coach is there to guide, improve accountability and confidence, create individualized structure, maintain safety, and support enjoyment. A new runner is the best candidate for a marathon coach.

What this means…

Marathon training isn’t easy, and that’s why we’re here. We have elected to put ourselves through this incredible challenge. Take the process one step at a time, one day at a time, and seek the opportunity to grow, learn, and overcome, and you just may have the most rewarding experience of your life.

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For more on COURAGE in MARATHON TRAINING, read more.

Happy running!