Marathon Training Tips at 2 Months Out
This article is by Roberto Mandje, NYRR’s Senior Advisor of Engagement and Training. We’ll continue to bring you advice and tips from Coach Roberto leading up to the TCS New York City Marathon on November 5.
With less than two months until the TCS New York City Marathon, you may be asking yourself, “Where should I be?” You are well past the start line of your marathon training, but not yet in the final stretch.
The prospect of running 26.2 miles on November 5 may still feel daunting. That’s okay! There’s time to train and improve your fitness. Let’s take stock.
Your Mileage and Long Runs
Though you’ve likely not hit your highest weekly mileage or longest runs yet, your long runs should be significant – probably in the double digits.
Remember that there are no magic numbers, as you’re the sum of all of your training. Your figures will depend on factors like when you started training, your previous running experience, and the training plan you’re following.
Your Tune-Up Races
Tune-up races are races you run in the lead-up to a big goal race like the TCS New York City Marathon. You can use them to add variety and a different stimulus to your marathon training. They help break up the training and may serve as an alternative workout or long run combo.
Additionally, tune-up races offer an opportunity to fine-tune your race-day routine. You can practice waking up early and traveling to the race, address pre-race jitters, try out your race-day attire, and get comfortable running in a pack and grabbing hydration and nutrition at the aid stations.
Your Hydration, Nutrition, and Injury Prevention
Use your remaining long runs to continue to experiment with what does and doesn’t work for your nutrition and hydration. I advise runners to fuel and hydrate by minutes rather than miles. Minutes are constant, while time between miles can vary based on pace, conditions, and accumulated fatigue.
Similarly, you can make tweaks to your night-before meals and morning-of breakfasts. Over time, you’ll get a great sense of what works for you and the appropriate timing.
Marathon training is about managing accumulated fatigue, resting, recovering, and training again. It’s common to feel occasional soreness, but it’s important to know the difference between common day-to-day fatigue or soreness and a possible injury. To learn more, check out this article by an expert from Hospital for Special Surgery.
Your Training and the Mental Challenges
Marathon training can bring up questions like “Can I do this?” and even “Why should I do this?” A great workout can uplift us one day, while a poor workout or long run can bring our confidence crashing down.
It’s okay to have these thoughts – just don’t let them consume you and don’t let any workout define you. Read our previous blog post to remember your “why” and shake off a bad session or two.
Focus on the positive aspects of your training, enjoy the moment, and visualize that finish line! Soon you’ll be lining up next to thousands of other dedicated runners who have lived the same highs and lows on this special journey we call marathon training. You’ve got this!
