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London Marathon Prep - 7 Things To Do Before the Big Day

April 25, 2019

It’s almost time for the legendary London Marathon again. Whether this is your first marathon or your an expert, there are a few things you can do in advance that will make crossing the finish line much easier. Here are some tips to add to your running plan.

London Marathon Prep - 6 Things To Do Before the Big Day

Adaptogens: Adaptogens are herbs that can help the body “adapt” to stress, both mental and physical, and thereby aid recovery and improve stamina. Examples include ginseng, holy basi, and the jujube fruit. The latter is red coloured berries with a naturally sweet flavour and can be enjoyed as a snack or on top of your porridge.
Massage: Training is the best excuse to treat yourself to a nice relaxing massage - a massage can help increase circulation and blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and help prevent injury; not to mention help you relax and calm your mind before a race. Alternatively, you could try foam rolling using a tennis ball or a foam roller. Gently roll out your sore muscle points a few times a week to restore the structural integrity of your tissues. Great for muscle recovery and to reduce inflammation.
Rest: As the big day approaches, there is the tendency to push yourself even harder during training. However, your body needs time to recover. A fatigued body is prone to injury and could even make you feel more anxious. Don’t push yourself too hard, and make sure you get plenty of sleep the days leading up to the marathon.
Food & drink: Incorporating a healthy, well-balanced diet is key to overall well-being, and is particularly important ahead of a marathon. Incorporate lots of fresh, nutritious, and non-processed food in your meals. Also, staying hydrated in the days before the race is key to a good run. It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine since it can cause dehydration or mess with your sleep.
Hacks: There are running techniques to help reduce injury and make running less tiring. For example keeping your head straight, not hunching your shoulders, relaxing your hands, and keeping your hips stable are all helpful tips to make running easier on your body. Finding the right pair of trainers is also key: Figure out whether you have wide or narrow feet and find a pair with a good grip and suitable for outdoors. Also, remember that socks can be equally as important. Pick socks that have a breathable and quick-drying fabric with extra padding and compression technology.
Motivation: Running is extremely physical but also mentally challenging. Having a good support team, whether it is family or friends, can make the process easier. It will make all that hard work pay off if you can cross the finish line into the arms of a loved one. Also, prepare your music playlist with your favourite music, with the proper BPM to your running pace, and make sure it is long enough to see you through the finish line.
Lastly: If you are participating as a spectator, as part of the support team, or from your couch, make sure to stock up on your favourite jujube snacks ahead of time to keep yourself fuelled throughout the event.