Training for your first marathon is exciting, but it can be intimidating. Having a good training plan, shoes that fit you properly and proper clothing are no-brainers. But what are some of the other things you need to ensure you have a successful training season? You don’t have to spend a ton of money, but you do need to invest a little money on the things that will enhance your training the most.
Here are 7 must-have items for marathon training:
1. Foam roller
TP Therapy rollers are my favorite. They don’t take up a lot of space, are pretty easy to travel with and don’t break down the way rollers made out of foam do. However, any foam roller that is firm will do the job.
2. Training journal/log
A training journal or log costs $0. Tracking your workouts and your progress is essential. You can use an excel spreadsheet or an online tracker for free. Tracking your workouts can help identify where you need to improve, why you are feeling tired as well as help you choose a training plan for your next race.
3. Good running socks
Never underestimate the impact a pair of socks can have on your run. What works for one person may not work for another person. No one wants to run with blisters for miles and miles. If your shoes fit properly, but you’re still getting blisters, then you need to buy new socks.
4. Body Glide
If you haven’t had issues with chaffing, then you’re lucky! When you start running longer distances don’t be surprised if you start to feel a stinging sensation in random places when you jump in the shower post-run. Seams on clothing often cause rubbing which over time can lead to chaffing. Cover your “hot spots” in body glide or a similar product to prevent this unwelcome side effect.
5. Mini Bands
You have to do strength training and a mini band is an easy and inexpensive tool to have at home. It will allow you to strengthen your core muscles and won’t take up hardly any space in your home.
6. Sunscreen
You know why you need sunscreen, but now that you’re training for a marathon you will be spending a lot more time in the sun making it even more of an essential item.
7. Watch
No, you do not need a fancy, expensive GPS watch to successfully run your 1st marathon. A simple old-school timex watch or any watch with a stop watch feature is all you need to train for your first marathon.
I loveeee my foam roller and running socks (is it weird to love socks? nah). I haven’t tried mini bands yet though. How do you use them?
xx, Pia
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