didnt understand anything but still followed the trend to run a marathon

Spring is in the air, winter has gone, and spring has arrived. As the weather gets warmer, various marathon events have returned to our lives. Almost every weekend, my social media feed is flooded with photos from these events. However, I must remind everyone that marathons are not just a trendy activity to follow. You might think it's just for fun, but running a marathon can be a serious challenge. So, before you sign up for a marathon, make sure you understand these 10 things.

1. Taking breaks is not shameful

Some marathon newbies feel immense psychological pressure after the start: watching seasoned runners zoom past while they themselves start to tire is disheartening. They feel they must push through and not be looked down upon by others.

If you have this mindset, you're just making things harder for yourself. Believe that taking a walking break during a marathon is not shameful. Most marathon runners do not run the entire distance without stopping. Walking breaks can be a very smart race strategy, helping to prevent muscle fatigue and maintaining a steady exercise intensity.

2. Choose the right gear

This goes without saying. Proper running shoes can make you feel more comfortable and help prevent injuries. The same goes for other gear, like sports bras for women. Choose equipment you are familiar with and have used before; don't treat a marathon as a fashion show for new gear.

3. Don't overtrain

Many marathon newbies believe they need to match their training volume to the full marathon distance before the actual race. In reality, this is unnecessary and only adds extra strain on your body. Most marathon runners do not exceed 30 kilometers in their regular training. There's no need to push yourself too hard.

4. Train in all weather conditions

Of course, everyone hopes for perfect weather on race day. But weather can be unpredictable. In my experience, the Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon often encounters drizzly weather around the Qingming Festival. You need to be prepared for such unexpected conditions. Whether it's cold, hot, windy, or rainy, you need to know how to cope, and this comes from consistent training.

5. Be prepared for sacrifices

Pre-race marathon training will take up a lot of your time. For beginners, you need to set aside at least 4-5 days a week for running, which can sometimes be frustrating. But this level of time commitment is worth it.

Additionally, financial sacrifices are also necessary. A good pair of running shoes is not cheap, and you'll also need to pay for race entry fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and essential nutrition. Without a sufficient budget, it's hard to enjoy a marathon.

So, before signing up for a marathon, make sure to balance your family, work, and personal interests. Don't sacrifice too much in one area for another.

6. Remember to stay hydrated

During long runs, you lose a lot of electrolytes through sweat. This is a major reason for fainting in many marathon events, so you need to develop the habit of staying hydrated, especially with sports drinks. There are many handy tools, like portable water bottles or running belts, to make carrying drinks less cumbersome. However, during the actual race, you don't need to carry these as there are plenty of aid stations.

7. Hitting the wall is not inevitable

Many people think that 'hitting the wall' (a sudden drop in energy and speed) is an inevitable part of a marathon. But in reality, you can delay or even avoid hitting the wall with proper training. The key is to adjust your pace, control your speed, and consume necessary energy during the race.

8. Marathons won't help you lose weight

If losing weight is your only motivation for running, you don't need to run a marathon. You might disagree, thinking marathons burn a lot of calories. But in reality, many professional marathon runners don't see significant weight changes, and some even gain weight. This is partly because they feel they can indulge in eating due to the high calorie burn from running.

True weight loss requires understanding your daily intake and expenditure, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. If you insist on running a marathon for weight loss, it might not be worth the effort.

9. Learn to deal with urgent needs

You might think, as an adult, you can handle your urgent needs. But marathon toilets might be a different story. Portable toilets at marathon events can be quite unsanitary. You need to learn to endure and sometimes be resourceful.

10. Not everyone will support you

Having the support of family and friends can be motivating for your marathon journey. But remember, not everyone will be your strong backing. Your boss might think marathon training interferes with work, and your family might worry about the physical strain. Be mentally prepared for this, as doubts might creep in at any time.