So you want to run a marathon?
Though the first marathon which was spanned between Marathon to Athens was ran by a Greek messenger, Pheidippides, without prior training, marathon requires lot of preparation and training to ensure that you are fit enough to finish the race.
In fact, Pheidippides, once reaching Athens and announcing their victory in battle collapsed on the ground and immediately died, presumably due to hunger and exhaustion.
Though there is a large selection for marathons across the country, you may have chosen to run a marathon that is scheduled in the fall season.
This means that you would have to train during the hot summer season. Training for a marathon is no easy task, and the heat would simply make it harder.
If you’re determined to run your marathon in fall, here is how you could train for a marathon during summer.
Set your marathon goals, and plan your training
Determine what would you want to get of in your marathon. Choose whether you want to clock in at a certain time, or if you would just want to get to the finish line.
Whatever your goal is you must plan your training according to what would you see is fit. For beating personal records, you may want to intensify your sessions in the middle part of the training period. A list of different training programs are available online, just do a quick search.
Invest in hydration
One of the most important things you would need to consider in the hot summer months is that you will quickly lose bodily fluids due to the heat.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water at the start, during, and at the middle of your run. Consider drinking sports drinks instead of water, as they would also replenish lost electrolytes.
Get a hydration belt (belts with attached bottles), so you could continue running without having to stop for water.
Get cool clothes
Recent technology has led to the development of moisture-wicking clothes that are both lightweight and cool to the skin. This would help keep your body light and cool as you run through the hot roads.
Protect your eyes
Summer days are days when the sunlight is strongest. This means that more damaging UV radiation gets through the atmosphere. Purchase some glasses that certified to protect from UV rays.
Even though the weather is overcast or hazy, UV rays still can get through, so you’d better be safe than sorry. Alternatively, you can use visors or caps.
Run in cooler temperatures
Consider running in the early morning or around after sunset. Temperatures at these times will be cooler than when the sun is up.
You’ll be spending your next days, weeks, and months running farther and faster for your marathon. Don’t lose your focus and keep your eyes on your goal.
Don’t let the summer heat get into you. In the end, once you cross that finish line, you will realize that all your efforts are not put to waste.
Once you finish your marathon, keep the intensity up. Take a short break, and then prepare for your next one.