Bismarck Marathon – First Timers, Here Is What You Can Expect

I am actually addressing this article to all first-time marathoners

Whether you are planning on running your first 26.2-mile race here in Bismarck or somewhere else. The distance is the same, and it's demanding. Some people have said that running a marathon is 75% mental, and I agree with that. Some people say to complete a marathon, you MUST have run one 20-miler leading up to the race - I DISAGREE with that.

For those of you who think you can go out and JUST walk and run 26.2 miles with zero training, don't even try it

For one thing, you'll probably never run again if you do attempt it. A marathon will beat you up mentally and physically; however, if you have put in the work and trained for the last 3 or 4 months, the only goal you should have on race day is to FINISH, period. The part about running a marathon is so much mental is absolutely true.

( SEE ALSO: HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE 2025 BISMARCK MARATHON JUST 184 DAYS AWAY )

Try to divide the marathon into 4 sections

Just thinking about 26.2 miles in its entirety will psyche you out. If you can plan out the race in 4 sections, it won't drain you mentally - for example, look forward to the 10 K mark ( you've easily done these before ) - next, you can gauge yourself on how you are feeling when you get to the halfway mark ( 13.1 ) . The hardest part and the true test are coming.

The dreaded 20-mile mark

When you hear some people say "When you reach the 20-mile mark, your race has just begun..." - that is so accurate. Physically, you are starting to get tired; your true test will be to finish that last 6.2 miles,if you have never run a 20-miler in training, then every mile the rest of the way is uncharted territory - AND THE most important thing to remember, drink as much water as you can the whole way, to avoid your body breaking down.

After the race, get used to walking downstairs backwards

This I know from experience, even your hair will hurt after a marathon, and the best way I know to ease your sore leg muscles is by walking downstairs backwards. If you find yourself depressed days after a marathon, it's normal. You spend so much time training and thinking about your FIRST marathon, and WHEN you reach your goal, sometimes there is a let-down.

Have fun, pace yourself, and enjoy the day - you'll never forget your first marathon!