by Jessie Bahrey

Created on: April 22, 2009

Running your first marathon is, without a doubt, as much a mental test as it is a physical one. Most people train very hard for their first marathon event, usually as part of a running club or training group. The process can be long and tedious, and all those hours of hard work culminate in that one race, which has been the primary focus of months of running and strength training. Because there is such a build-up to the day of the race, actually running the 26 miles can be a bit of a let down. However, the mental preparation can be just as important as the physical one come race day, and there are a few ways to ensure that you will have a great run and achieve the ultimate goal-crossing the finish line.

Being confident is very important on race day, and although it seems like common sense, runners have to be prepared for a bit of apprehension, no matter how much they have trained for this event. Running with a familiar group is much different than running in a sea of strangers. But the main thing to remember is that you have done this distance before, likely several times, so there is no reason not to believe that you can complete the 26 miles today.

Along with confidence, setting realistic, achievable goals is important. For the first marathon, it is helpful if you have just one goal in mind-finishing the race. To set a finishing time goal for your first marathon may be a bit too much pressure to place on yourself. Just crossing the finish line uninjured should be the first time marathoner's only goal. However, if you are brave enough to attempt to complete the race within a certain time, at least make it realistic enough to be attainable.

Another tip to be mentally prepared for the race is to put this day and this event into perspective. In the big picture of your life, this race, while important enough, is not going to be the most important day of your life. This is not to say that running a marathon is not a huge achievement, but it should not make or break your entire life. By keeping in mind the relative place this race should hold in your life's priorities, you may feel a bit more relaxed and less pressured to perform flawlessly.

By keeping in mind that there will be many more marathons in your future, if you want there to be, you will also relax and enjoy this day more. Try to think of it as a learning experience, one that will be invaluable to you for many years to come, but it is just one of many hurdles to jump in your running career.

By following these steps, you may be more likely to relax and enjoy your first marathon, and not let stress ruin the experience. After all, you only get to run your first marathon once, so why not enjoy it!

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