Recently we shared the story of our teammate, Courtney, was preparing and running alone for the Marine Corps Marathon. It inspired us to write a two-part piece about preparing to run a marathon alone. Well, it’s going to become a three-part series. For personal reasons, Courtney decided not to run the marathon at this time. And of course, that’s another post of dealing with the feelings of disappointment if you realize you can’t follow-through with a marathon. So, stay tuned to this page for that post.
However, this post will pick-up where we left off in preparing for a marathon alone. Let’s dig into the second part of the series about how you could do it if you’re running alone. Perhaps in the past, you ran with a buddy. While running is tough, having a friend makes it easier. For instance, in the past, Courtney shared her training and marathon experiences with our other teammate, Angela. At one point, they chatted about hydration products that didn’t work for Angela but worked for Courtney. They both agreed that thought pickle juice did the job. Regardless, let’s dig into more tips for running alone.
Running Alone Versus Running with a Buddy
Sharing the experience is something having a buddy brings. “We talked about how in heck we were actually going to do this (marathon) at our long run Saturday’s that maybe we just did 10 or 12 miles. Thinking about 26 and how hard that 10 or 12 miles was,” Courtney said. She continued, “Doing these runs alone has been hard. I do like the alone time but the after runs I don’t have anyone to share those experiences with. Good or bad. Awesome running highs or running lows. Seeing the things I see on my runs are truly amazing too. I see all sorts or neat things on my runs, mostly animals, birds, etc. People too.”
So, what other tips do we have to share about running alone? In the first part of the article series, ideas included finding joy in running and setting small goals. For this post, we talk about the right tech, listening to your body, and staying motivated.
Use the right tools and apps to train
Humanity lives in an era of technology—which also applies to running. You can use several tools and apps to train for a marathon when you’re preparing for a marathon alone. For instance, you can use an app to record your distance, time, and average pace. Additionally, you can use a wearable device to track your fitness metrics while running.
You can also use online training programs to help you plan your training schedule, track progress, and stay motivated. Many of these tools and apps can also help you keep in touch with other runners and motivate you to continue training when you feel demotivated.
Listen to your body in training
It’s essential to listen to your body when you prepare for a marathon. It’s perfectly normal to feel fatigued at specific points. But if you think you have injured any part of your body, you should see a doctor. During your training, you should also take note of any changes in your body metrics, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and other signs.
Since most people run outdoors, biological changes could indicate an allergy if you notice something affecting your running performance. If you see any sudden changes, it could be a sign of something else, including certain foods or drinks. As you prepare for a marathon, you’ll learn a lot more about your body.
Work on your mind (not just your body)
You’ve probably heard the saying, mind over matter. Training for a marathon is more than just physical strength and endurance. It’s also about mental stamina and perseverance. It is not just enough to want to run a marathon. You also need to have the will to train for it consistently. And for that, you need to have the right attitude towards running.
For instance, it helps you mentally to set achievable goals for your training and keep track of your progress. You can also share your training schedule with a friend, colleague, or family member and get their feedback on how you’re doing. You can also use meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation exercises to keep your mind fit and focused on your goal.
Staying motivated for a marathon to the end
Many people who sign up for a marathon drop out—not because they can’t run that distance. Instead, they can’t keep their motivation going till the end. Fortunately, running is an activity you can do almost anywhere, anytime, and virtually no equipment.
So even if you don’t have anyone to train with or even any friends who are interested in running marathons with you, you can still get in shape and train for this event if you have the right attitude towards training.
Hey, after completing a marathon, recycle your sneakers. When you do it, you help the planet, earn funds for a good cause, and make a global social impact.
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