So You Want to Run a Marathon? Here’s How to Choose the Best One!
Are you looking to run a marathon but don’t know where to start? Before deciding which race to run, you have to first look inwards. Consider these five tips to help you choose the best marathon for you. Use this guide to help you choose the best marathon for you.
Determine Your Marathon Goals:
Before you decide what marathon to run, you should determine your goals for race day. Are you training for a specific time? Are you looking for a scenic route? Are you running for a charity? Knowing what you want to accomplish is the first step. Don’t be afraid to be picky! If you’re planning on dedicating months of training, money spent on travel, training, and gear, or just even the multiple hours spent racing - you want to be sure it’s something you’re excited about.
Set a Budget
Marathons can vary a lot in cost depending on the event and location. Make sure you set a budget for yourself before you decide on a race. There can be some sneaky costs associated with running a marathon beyond the obvious.
A list of some of these expenses are registration fees, travel and accommodation, training plans, nutrition, and recovery costs. Don’t forget to include the expenses associated with prepping for the race either. This includes the cost of running shoes, performance clothing, hydration systems, and other necessary gear. Make sure to invest in quality gear to ensure your comfort and performance in training and on race day.
Sometimes it’s fun to have a vacation race to a big event lined up and sometimes it’s good to something more local. Make sure you have the resources to make your marathon experience a success.
Research
The next step is to research the different races. Make sure you understand the course route, the weather, nutrition on the course, the time of year, the terrain and the difficulty of the course. You can also research past participants and read reviews to get a better idea of how fast the course is and what to expect on the course. The best way to really know if the race is right is by reading reviews of like minded people! Understanding if or when the hills on a course appear can help you plan physically and mentally. Even small things like where aid stations are makes a big difference! Make sure you understand if you’re picking a race in late May to September - there is a good chance that heat could play a factor in paces too. Even a race like Boston in April can be a warm shock for those runners in colder climates who are de-thawing after a long winter.
I’m always a big fan of studying what nutrition they give out on the course. This gives you the opportunity to practice with those gels or hydration in training. You don’t want to be 16 miles into the race and figure out the on-course nutrition does not sit right in your stomach!Consider your time commitment:
A marathon typically requires hours of weekly training. This involves not only running, but also stretching, strength training, nutrition, and recovery. It’s important to make sure you are able to commit the necessary time to training for the marathon. If you attempt to run a marathon without proper training, you may be at risk of injury or disappointment. Additionally, make sure to factor in any time commitments you have outside of running. This may include work, family vacations, and other obligations. It can be difficult to find the time for a two hour long run during a family vacation or work conference! Plan accordingly for major life events to help make training less stressful and the experience more enjoyable
5. Choose your marathon and make plans
Once you have narrowed your list down, compare the remaining races to make sure they meet your criteria. Finally, make sure to confirm your decision and start planning for the race. This includes booking flights and accommodation, registering for the race, and investing in the necessary training gear. Make sure to compare your preferences and priorities to the different races and start planning for the race. This can help you have a successful and rewarding marathon experience.
In Conclusion
Choosing a marathon can be difficult. But by breaking down the decision making process into smaller pieces, you can ensure you can enjoy the 26.2 mile experience. No matter a big race in a major city or a small local race - each marathon run is an accomplishment and a rewarding experience. By determining your goals, setting a budget, researching marathons, and finally planning for race day, you can ensure your next marathon will be one of your favorites!