With the recent release of a new batch of Dublin Marathon places, now is the time to kick off the training for the big day.

Participating in the Dublin Marathon is a physically and mentally demanding endeavour. To cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment and joy, it’s crucial to engage in proper training. Preparing for a marathon requires dedication, discipline, and a well-structured plan.

In this article, we will outline some key points on how to train for a marathon effectively.

1. Set Realistic Goals:
Before embarking on your marathon training journey, it is essential to set realistic goals. Consider factors such as your current fitness level, previous running experience, and available time for training. Setting achievable goals will help maintain motivation throughout the process.

2. Establish a Training Schedule:
Developing a training schedule is crucial to organise your workouts and track progress. Divide your training into phases: base building, strength and endurance, and tapering. Be sure to allocate rest days to allow for recovery and injury prevention.

3. Build a Solid Foundation:
Begin your training with a base-building phase. Focus on gradually increasing your weekly mileage and getting comfortable with regular running. Aim for three to four runs per week, including a mix of short and long runs. Start with a comfortable pace and gradually increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week.

4. Incorporate Cross-Training:
To enhance your overall fitness and prevent overuse injuries, include cross-training activities such as cycling, swimming, or strength training. These activities help build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and provide variety to your training routine.

5. Interval and Tempo Runs:
To improve your speed and endurance, incorporate interval and tempo runs into your training plan. Interval runs involve alternating between intense bursts of speed and recovery periods. Tempo runs involve running at a steady, challenging pace for an extended period. These workouts help increase your lactate threshold and improve your overall speed.

6. Long Runs:
Long runs are a vital component of marathon training as they simulate the distance of the race. Gradually increase the duration of your long runs each week, ensuring to include a mix of terrain and elevation. Focus on maintaining a comfortable pace and practice your fuelling and hydration strategies during these runs.

7. Practice Nutrition and Hydration:
Proper nutrition and hydration are key factors in marathon training. Experiment with different fuelling strategies during long runs to find what works best for you. Consume a balanced diet with an emphasis on carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your workouts and aid in recovery.

8. Rest and Recovery:
Rest and recovery days are as important as training days. Allow your body to recover, repair, and adapt to the demands of training. Adequate sleep, foam rolling, stretching, and regular massages can help prevent injuries and optimise performance.

9. Simulate Race Conditions:
As your race day approaches, simulate race conditions during your training. Practice running at your goal pace and experiment with your race-day outfit, shoes, and nutrition plan. Mental preparedness is equally important, so visualise yourself successfully completing the marathon.

10. Tapering:
In the final weeks leading up to the marathon, reduce your training volume and intensity through a process called tapering. Tapering allows your body to fully recover and optimise its performance for race day. Maintain your regular running routine but with reduced mileage.

11. Race-Day Strategy:
Develop a race-day strategy based on your training experience and goals. Start with a conservative pace, ensuring you have enough energy for the latter part of the race. Utilise aid stations for hydration and fuelling, and stay mentally focused and positive throughout the race.

12. Listen to Your Body:
Throughout your training journey, listen to your body’s cues. Pay attention to any signs of overtraining, fatigue, or injury. Adjust your training plan accordingly