First Marathon

[Happytot]

3 weeks today I will on the start line of my first marathon. I am running to finish which I estimate will take me 5hrs 15/20. Training hasn't been perfect but I got the miles in, the past month I have been focusing on my fueling which is going well also. My problem is my head! When I run I overthink after 10k, I start to panic and feel like I'm going I can't go on. It's very annoying and has happened my past 3 long runs. Has anyone any tips on how to over home this? I want to really enjoy my first marathon and take in the atmosphere and finish feeling proud of my achievement. Thanks

First of all, congratulations on being so close to the start line! You’ve done so much hard work and it is a cliche, but you need to remember that the marathon is actually all the training and all the kms you’ve run before - the race day itself is actually a big party and a celebration of all your work. I ran my first marathon last year and I too had that feeling when I hit 10K of “oh god this is actually really far I can’t do this” but I promise the atmosphere on the day will carry you so far. It will get hard but in those moments try and dedicate the next 500m or KM to someone you love and run that distance for them. Find your mantra and stick with it - mine was there’s nothing I cannot do. Good luck! It will be the hardest and the best thing you will ever do. Keep us posted on how you get on!

Your brain is like a well meaning but unhelpful friend. It is trying to keep you safe by pointing out that you are running a very long distance, are you really sure this is a good idea?!

I find it helpful to “talk back” to my brain. “Thanks for trying to look after me, but..”

There are a range of things you can tell your brain. You can remind it of all the long runs you’ve done, and the hours you’ve put in.

Or you can do a “situation report “ (sit rep) - how are your lungs feeling right now. How are your legs feeling right now?

See if you can find a mantra you find helpful and maybe write them in your hand. I wrote “we can do hard things” on mine!

The one I found most helpful is “this is what is happening right now, I’m doing the best that i can”

Best of luck!