Believe and achieve – your marathon run towards success.

Whether you’ve signed up for the marathon this year with the aim of beating your personal best, as a great physical challenge or simply regretted it as soon as you got your place, we have the article for you! Below are some pointers on what to do to make your experience as positive and pain free as possible.

Firstly, prepare! Although it is a lot easier said than done this will help you not only physically but mentally too. Train around the same time you’ll be completing the race, in similar conditions, (although in England you can never bet what the weather will be!) wearing the shoes and gear you’ll have with you on the day. Your training shoes will soon become your best friend so it’s important to be comfortable. Yes you should train hard, but make sure you focus on your recovery too. Rest will become just as good a friend to you as your running shoes, your body must have time to recover and if something is telling you it hurts, listen to it!

Secondly, eat a balanced diet. This advice is no different for marathon training as for everyday life. It’s as simple as: less alcohol, lots of greens, fish and quality protein. Carbohydrates are important too however make sure you don’t over-do it with these and of course, drink plenty of fluids throughout.

Thirdly, stay motivated! Remember why you’re doing it. It’s an admirable challenge to take on and the joy you’ll feel once you’ve completed those tiring gruelling miles will make you feel as if you can do anything if you put your mind to it… which of course you can!

Finally, congratulate yourself. What you’re doing is an amazing thing, undoubtedly for a great cause and you should be proud of yourself.

Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

Rob Westney is Spire Harpenden’s Physiotherapy Manager – I have been involved in various levels of sport my whole life, from youth participation through to present day activities and professional work as a Physiotherapist. I know personally and professionally how much distress can be caused by ongoing pain or restriction in athletes. Injuries are a common plague among sport enthusiasts, and although general marathon preparation seems to get better each year, runners are also at risk. Any time you increase your mileage and training you can pick up a variety of injuries ranging from simple muscle strains to stress fractures. Our highly experienced team of specialist Physiotherapists are on hand to provide you with crucial early diagnosis of running related problems, and start you on a course of treatment that will hopefully get you back on schedule for training and completion of the big event on the day.