Final Preparations For A Marathon

I am two weeks away from the Salt Lake Marathon, and I am once again reviewing my preparation. What am I doing to ensure that I am running the race correctly, to protect my health, avoid injury and compete at a good level? Here is the thought process I undergo as a physician specializing in foot and ankle health.

Physical Preparation
Physical preparation starts months to years before the marathon and must include regular running with increasing endurance. You can't physically prepare for a marathon if you are not consistently running and able to increase your distance to near marathon distances (20-22 miles are recommended). During the week, longer runs can be split between two runs in the same day (10 miles can be run as two runs of 5 miles in the same day), but at least one long run must be done each week. The advantage of splitting some longer runs into two is decreased chance of injury from stress fractures or other running related injuries.

As you move closer to the race, the training should continue, but be modified to allow full muscle strength and full body preparation for the run. A marathon, due to adrenaline and competition, will usually be faster and harder on the body than other runs. This is what brings the runners high from such a long run.

Therefore, at this time, I am ensuring regular runs with some modification of mileage to protect my body during these last 2 weeks. I am also doing what I can to eat right (regular, healthy, energy rich foods), sleep good at night and trying to avoid sickness that could interfere with the functioning of my lungs. I am doing what I can to be physically prepared.

Mental Preparation
I am still strongly of the opinion that the most important preparation for a marathon is mental. As part of the physical preparation, you get to the point where you believe you can complete a marathon. During any given run, there will be times that are hard and times that are less hard. If you believe you can do it, you will.

Often when I am running I will hit what many call "the wall" and just tell my body that it is not an option to stop running. I run because I can and mental preparation keeps legs moving when the muscles ache, the lungs are tired and the body is ready to stop. This mental attitude is the key to running distances, running hills and even starting a run when the desire may not be there.

I feel that I am mentally prepared, but it is a constant process. My goal is to "run and not be weary, walk and not faint." Mental attitude definitely helps.

Correct Equipment
With all the physical and mental preparation, injury can occur in a 26.2 mile run easily if poor equipment (or even worn out equipment) is utilized. Things to consider are the shoe, and what clothes will be worn for the run.

With shoes, mileage over 300 - 400 miles will wearout a shoe. A new shoe, however, should also not be worn without a breakin period. I plan to use a good shoe that has participated in about half of my training. This shoe, however, will be replace before my next marathon.

Clothing choice is more variable. What will the weather be like? How will you limit rubbing that can cause soreness throughout a run? What will you do to limit sunburn or other discomfort during the run? Will you wear a hat? Whatever the clothing choices may be, it is important to train with these clothes, even utilizing them on long runs to ensure that you are able to enjoy the 26.2 miles without interruptions from the clothing you wore (or didn't wear).

I can truly say that I am excited for this marathon and I am doing everything in my power to be prepared for this run. Besides I have already registered for other marathons that I must be ready for also...

Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com