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Hi everyone,
I’m turning to this forum again because I’ve always found great advice here—even on non-tech topics!
I’m planning to run a marathon in 2025 (not sure whether it will be full or half marathon !), which gives me around 11 months to prepare. I’m hoping to get some real-world guidance from experienced runners or those who’ve been in a similar situation.
Some Background:
- Currently, I can jog about 3 km without stopping—so that should give you an idea of my current fitness level.
- Over the last few years, I’ve shed quite a few kilos by sticking to a natural diet.
- My schedule includes 2–3 outstation trips (1–3 days each) per month, so I need something flexible.
- I’m not really inclined to join a gym.
What I’m Looking For:
- How should I start preparing for the marathon? Any beginner-friendly plans or steps?
- I need a reliable app for tracking my progress. I currently have a Samsung smartwatch—any tips on how to make the most of it?
- Any other practical advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Looking forward to your suggestions.
First Marathon Next Year: Where Do I Begin?
Hi.
In a marathon, you usually begin at the starting point, like the rest of the participants.
How should I start preparing for the marathon? Any beginner-friendly plans or steps?
- Follow a training plan. I used a plan on my Garmin watch and garmin connect software. You should be able to find one for your phone or a app. Like Nikerun app plan https://www.nike.com/in/running/marathon-training-plan. Similar plans for Strava app as well.
- For supplements I would recommend Creatine and protein. In my opinion creatine works much better if you could only take one.
I need a reliable app for tracking my progress. I currently have a Samsung smartwatch—any tips on how to make the most of it?
- Samsung smart watch should be pretty good for marathon training. Would recommend nike run club (NRC) or Strava.I was addicted to Strava before I moved to disconnecting it and just keeping everything on Garmin connect.
Any other practical advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
- Better to start with 21km. 42km is a different beast.
- Chafing comes into play when running for a long time. Areas which it can happen is usually chest and groin area. A well fitted moisture absorbing t shirt would be good as it wont move too much. Like a tight dry fit t-shirt to wear under your normal t-shirt can be helpful. Chafing cream which cyclist use can also be helpful. I prefer something called Chamois Butt’r.
- Carb loading is advisable on race day. As you run for 2+ hours you may run out of energy. Google how to do it for a marathon. You increase your carb intake as you approach the race.
- Hydration should be your priority. You are not there to set a record with your first marathon. Toilets will be along the way so drink all the time. Not just in stations. I wore a belt with 2 small bottles in it to keep hydrating.
- Carry energy gels with you as you can bonk (energy tank runs dry). You wont be able to move your legs if you bonk.
- Shoes, clothing, anything you wanna try out on race day should be tried in practice before. Don’t go into race day wearing a new gear (especially new shoes) which you never tried before. Break in your running shoes well before the race.
- Have emergency contact be easily contactable. I remember not being able to move at end of my first full marathon and had to call my friend to come and pick me up. He was not ready for it as I didn’t anticipate it before. Should be fine for 21km though.
- Race day : don’t bother with putting things in locker. Its too crowded and messy and wasting time. Arrive with what you plan to run in only. No extra bags and stuff. If you have a car you can store it there but roads are usually closed for a race so your call. Plan it in advance.
- And as I said before. You are not there to set crazy pace so don’t push yourself so hard that your body fails.
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What is your height.
What is included in your natural diet, if do not wish to reveal to all, please DM me.
What was your weight before/after and how much reduce each month/year?
What is your height.
What is included in your natural diet, if do not wish to reveal to all, please DM me.
What was your weight before/after and how much reduce each month/year?
5.7
I take vegan diet and mostly home made food including fresh fruits and dry fruits.
2 year before I was around 88 and now 78. Still need to lose more and I believe running will help in that as mostly, I am not having any regular physical activity.
It takes 21days to built a habit . So if you keep increasing your pace and distance gradually. You will be able to achieve the required level.
Dont just target on 42km. that would be a wrong approach. Infact aim for little higher and by the time race day comes You should be able to get to 42 km much easier. As your body will be used to higher endurance.
Ofcourse take it easy to achieve your goals. Dont stress your body and mind but keep a firm aim and discipline all along the way.
Also I also use Garmin connect but mine is mostly aimed at height gain instead of race. So your plan will be quite different.
