Training for a marathon is hard work. It’s not like training for a 5k or simply learning how to run distances. A marathon can be grueling, and just when you think you can’t go on any longer, you realize that you still have a stretch of a ways to go. Proper training can help you make sure that you aren’t hitting the wall too soon and can help give you what you need to finish the race and make your best time yet. Here, we will examine some tips to help you run your best race so far!

Run Half Marathons

About a month from the big race, you really need to be putting your physical fitness to the test. This is a great time to run a half marathon. Aim for a pace that is slightly faster than your marathon pace. You’ll find that the run provides you with an excellent mental lift. If you can’t find a half-marathon to participate in during this timeframe, try gathering up some of your other running friends and work on a long run, remembering to maintain a pace that is faster than your goal for the marathon.

Dress Properly – and Test Your Clothing

Avoid the urge to wear that cotton shirt provided by the charity you are representing if at all possible. You need to be running in proper running clothes, such as those made of nylon. The wrong material can really irritate your skin, especially on such a long run, so take your clothes out for a test drive by wearing them on a very long run to see how they perform. Make sure you are wearing your race day shoes and socks during the dry run as well.

Load Up on Carbs, Not Fats

A few days before the marathon, it is time to start focusing your diet on foods that are rich in carbs such as potatoes, pasta, and breads. Sports drinks are also a good choice. These foods will provide you with extra fuel on race day, which you will need. You really need to work on boosting the percentage of your calories that come from carbohydrates, but you don’t really have to worry about eating a larger quantity of food than normal.

These are just a few tips to help you get started, but they can be enough to dramatically improve your overall performance!