As you approach the last stretch of your marathon training, it’s common to feel fatigued or even a bit overwhelmed. Staying motivated can be tough even for seasoned runners, but the finish line is within reach! We’ve put together a quick list of ways to stay motivated and keep the momentum during that final marathon training push!
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Focus on Your “Why”
When training gets hard, remind yourself why you signed up for the marathon in the first place. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a fitness goal, or supporting a cause, keeping your purpose front and center can reignite your determination. Write it down or visualize yourself crossing the finish line to reconnect with that initial motivation.
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Break It Down
Instead of thinking about the remaining weeks as one long grind, break it down into smaller, manageable goals. Focus on one run at a time or one week of training. Celebrate these mini-milestones—whether it’s hitting your longest run or successfully completing a recovery week. Remember the small wins.
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Visualize Race Day Success
Picture yourself feeling strong, pacing yourself, and crossing the finish line with confidence. This mental practice can build excitement and reinforce positive emotions around your training and upcoming race day. You can even lay out everything you need for your race just like you will do the night before (which can serve as a reminder to order any nutrition or gear you might be low on or is in need of replacing).
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Prioritize Rest, Recovery, and Nutrition
At this stage, it’s easy to want to push through every workout, but recovery is just as important as training. Make sure you’re eating the right balance of nutrients daily to support muscle repair and energy levels. Aim for:
- Carbohydrates: 7-10 grams per kilogram (3.2-4.5 grams per pound) of body weight.
- Protein: 1.2-1.7 grams per kilogram (0.54-0.77 grams per pound) of body weight to aid muscle recovery.
- Water: Drink 3-4 liters daily, or more on longer run days, to stay hydrated and maintain performance. Pay attention to signs of dehydration like dark urine or fatigue.
- Vitamins: Your body will be depleted and exhausted toward the end of a marathon cycle. Supplementing with vitamin C (up to 200 mg) and Zinc (11mg men, 8 mg women) can help keep your immune system running on all cylinders.
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Run with a Friend or Group
Training with a running buddy or joining a group can make the final weeks of preparation more enjoyable, especially those who are training for the same race. Social runs can keep your spirits high, distract you from the grind, and provide extra motivation when the going gets tough. Plus, the shared accountability of running with others can push you to show up and give your best effort.
Getting through marathon training is just as difficult as the race itself. Remember, it’s normal to feel exhausted after months of training, but make sure to give yourself credit for the hard work you’ve put in! You’ve got this!
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If you are interested in improving your performance, receiving individualized training & guidance, and/or are looking for a partner in crime as you crush your goals, contact us to schedule a 1:1 coaching call/zoom! Email customerservice@omegaprojectpt.com to learn more or to schedule.
