Lessons from my last marathon
I’M BAAAAACK – back to life and back to reality. Last weekend, five members of Sonic Steppers Running Club and I braved the cold and rain to conquer the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and trust me, it was a real trek!
It was also extremely eye-opening. It taught me so many lessons that I want to share with you today, so that you not only get the best results on your first or next marathon, but also learn a few things we can adopt in the Jamaican context as well. Least to say, I ended up in the hospital. So, here goes: These are my top five lessons learnt.
1. Stay hydrated ALWAYS
One of the first questions the doctor asked me as I lay under the IV was, “Did you hydrate before the race?” I blushed and hurriedly said “No”. It’s something I know I should have never taken for granted as a runner.
The trick about a long-distance run is that it puts your body under severe pressure. It typically takes anywhere between two (for elite runners) to six hours for a runner to complete a marathon. What this means is that the body needs higher than normal levels of hydration – before, during and post-race. Electrolytes are lost and the pure pressure on the body requires specific care and attention. Ensure that as you prepare for your first or next marathon, that hydration is a key aspect of your routine. 2. Training schedule Ensure that you have a comprehensive training schedule. Here’s why this is important: the body needs to shift its focus from one of mere running (your typical 5k/10k) to the most challenging run of your life. It’s about endurance and pushing past your perceived limitations. This must be done systematically, regularly, and it has to be shifted every so often. The aim is to intertwine cross-fit and muscle-building exercises into your routine, so that your entire body is ready. I suggest