how I survived my FIRST MARATHON (42km)! ☀️
IT’S OFFICIAL!!! I completed the Berlin Marathon!!!! 😱😱 This is hands down a huge core memory — one of the hardest but BEST experiences of my life 😭 No kidding, I just finished the race yesterday, and I’m already looking up when registration opens for the next one LOL.
But here’s the thing: nobody told me how much work a marathon is beyond JUST RUNNING. There’s nutrition, hydration, recovery, gear, what to expect on the day… so here’s everything I learned, in one place. (I’ll do a separate post just about the event itself 🫶)
🏃🏻♀️ GEAR 🏃🏻♀️
Gear = comfort = survival on race day.
A few things to know:
- You don’t have to bring your own bottles/gels — marathons have water stations and many allow you to drop items at aid stations (e.g. 5, 10, 15km). BUT ask yourself: do you like sipping water anytime you want? Do you want gels/snacks always on hand? If yes, you’ll want your own gear.
Comfort is non-negotiable. Test everything on long runs. Criteria I used:
- No weird edges poking into me (what’s fine at 5k is torture at 42k)
- Doesn’t bounce too much
- Actually fits what I plan to carry
I ended up with two belts — a “serious” one for race day and a tiny one for training, because I lowkey hate belts 😂
💪🏻 TRAINING 💪🏻
This is a whole separate post tbh, but one big tip: pick a plan that fits your life.
- Long runs get LONGGG. In the last 2 months, I often spent 3–4 hours per run (including recovery).
- Rest is just as important as the run itself.
- Be realistic — training will eat into your social life 🥹 but it’s temporary.
🍔 FUEL PLAN 🍔
Let me save you pain: TEST YOUR GELS. Some will give you laosai 😭
Why gels? Past a point, your glycogen stores run out. Gels = quick carbs = refuel. It was easier for me to track by distance (e.g. every X km) vs by time to see how much gel I needed to take :)
My faves:
- SIS isotonic gels — easy to swallow, no dry mouth, also prevent cramps.
- Decathlon cola-flav caffeine gels — 10/10 recommend for that mid-race pick-me-up!
⏰ LEADING UP TO RACE DAY ⏰
- Taper ~2 weeks before: same frequency, less load
- Sleep is gold. I skipped alcohol the whole week before
- Carb load = pasta + instant noodles guilt-free 😍
- Pack ahead of time (gear, race kit, post-race groceries).
- Expect TERRIBLE sleep the night before (also corroborated on Reddit 😂)
- Tissues. Trust me. Don’t get caught in a portable toilet with no toilet paper HAHAH
✨ ON RACE DAY ✨
- Enjoy it!! You’ve put in the work — now soak in the vibes. High-five kids, laugh at signs, marvel at your body.
- One foot in front of the other. Slow and steady.
- After 32km… it will hurt. Your joints will scream. But the crowd will CARRY you. Truly. Humans are amazing.
- Take photos!! You’ll want them later.
That’s it for now! Are any of you running a half or full soon? PLS SHARE WITH ME because I’m now officially hooked 😭❤️ And if you needed a sign to run a marathon (or half)… THIS IS IT. Join the millennial quarter-life crisis 😂😛
#runnersoflemon8 #running #fitnessmotivation #fitnesstips #fitness
Running a marathon is no joke, and from my personal experience, the key to success goes far beyond just showing up on race day. One important thing is learning how to pace yourself properly. It’s easy to start too fast because of adrenaline, but conserving energy for the last 10 kilometers is crucial. In addition to the gels I mentioned, I found that experimenting with different flavors and brands really helps avoid stomach issues. For me, knowing when and how much to consume based on distance rather than time kept my energy steady. Another tip I learned the hard way: your gear must be thoroughly tested during training runs. This includes shoes, socks, and especially your hydration belt. I switched from a small training belt to a more substantial race day belt that could carry multiple gels, my phone, and water. Having everything within reach gave me peace of mind. During the taper period before the race, I focused a lot on rest and nutrition. Cutting back on training volume but keeping intensity helped my legs feel fresh. Also, skipping alcohol and prioritizing sleep made a huge difference in my energy levels. Post-run recovery matters just as much—stock up on isotonic drinks and muscle creams to help your body bounce back faster. Since marathon day can get hectic, packing essentials like tissues and blister plasters saved me from unexpected discomfort. Finally, mentally preparing for those tough moments at around 30km was essential. The crowd’s energy lifted me when my joints screamed, and the simple act of high-fiving kids along the route provided an emotional boost. Remember, it’s as much about enjoying the experience as it is about finishing. If you’re planning for your first marathon or looking to improve, integrating these practical tips into your training and race day routine will make your journey more manageable and joyful. Believe me, once you cross that finish line, you’ll be looking forward to the next one, just like I am!
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