3 Rookie Marathon Mistakes to Avoid

Race day is here and you’re standing on that fateful start line. Your legs are buzzing with anticipation, your stomach is tied in knots and your heart is pounding hard enough to burst through your chest. The stress is rising, along with the risk of making mistakes that can prove costly. They’re classic first-marathon errors, but even experienced runners can make them when nerves get the better of them.

✓ Here are 3 mistakes you’ll want to avoid!

‘1 –– Getting on the wrong train (the one that’s going too fast, obviously)

The start line. An atmosphere blending anticipation, good humour and anxiety. The starter goes. And they’re off! The euphoria of the pack surging forward in the leaders’ extravagant stride, the desire to get things right, the freshness of those opening moments: everything pushes you to lengthen your stride and believe you’re as fast as the hare in the famous fable. You race along, gasping for breath, hanging on to a small group of runners who look like they know how to pace themselves and must be running at the right speed. You tell yourself you’ve found the right train.

Big mistake. The right train is, above all, the one that matches your target pace, the pace you know you can hold for the full distance. So instead of playing Speedy Gonzales and clawing back a few seconds at the start of the marathon, seconds that will probably cost you dearly later on, keep one eye on your watch: stick strictly to your pace and don’t get carried away. Little by little, the field will string out and you’ll find yourself running alongside competitors with whom you may be able to form a small group.

To identify the right train, pay attention to the runners around you: listen to their breathing, watch their stride and try to work out whether they’re comfortable… or already on their last legs. Running with people at roughly your level can be a real help, but you need to know how to draw strength from the group and step away when it pulls you out of your race plan. Whatever happens, don’t hesitate to get off the wrong train rather than stubbornly staying on it and failing to reach the finish line!

‘2 –– Jostling and stepping on other runners’ toes

Aaaaah, mass starts, the crush, the electric atmosphere! Every ingredient is there to fill the air with tension. The temptation can be strong to elbow your way into position, even if it means stepping on the runner next to you. Once the pack is released, some runners latch on to the heels of another participant, clip their feet or shove them to get past… Honestly, nothing is worse than contact (accidental, really?) between competitors. It quickly sends irritation levels soaring, or even triggers panic if the jostling leads to a fall or a few choice words.

Yes, you’re stressed because this is your first marathon. Yes, you want to do well and avoid ruining your race because the guy in front is blocking your way. But no, it isn’t fair to think only of yourself and elbow your way into the clear at someone else’s expense. Even if some participants can be inconsiderate, stay calm and protect your personal space: keep your distance from other runners, apologise if you bump into someone… and, above all, keep things in perspective! It’s only a race. You’re not fighting for your life, and losing a few seconds at the start is no big deal. Save your energy for managing the race as well as possible and crossing the finish line with a smile, savouring your victory.

‘3 –– Going all-out… and dying slowly

When you’re on the start line of a marathon, it’s easy to slip into the role of the hare rather than the tortoise! If you have a finishing time in mind, you know the pace you need to run over the full 42.195 km to hit your target. If you simply want to complete the distance without worrying about the clock, you’ll need to listen to your body and manage your effort sensibly. There’s no point blasting off like a cannonball only to blow up at halfway!

In any case, if you make the mistake of thinking you’re the hare, chances are you’ll never want to repeat the experience. Yes, the speed you feel over those first few kilometres is intoxicating, with the wind in your face, a smile on your lips and euphoria in your heart! But the feeling of slowly dying as the minutes tick by, followed by a complete collapse while the finish is still a long way off, will make you regret that early burst of enthusiasm.

To avoid handing in your bib before the finish and, above all, to keep the experience from becoming a miserable one, here are 2 easy-to-implement strategies:

➜ Before the race, draw up a race plan and stick to it : If you know what pace to run, follow it closely. If you simply want to be a finisher, start at a pace that feels comfortable and adjust it according to your sensations throughout the race.

➜ Follow a pacer : Most races offer this “service”, assigning a runner from the event organisation a flag displaying the target finishing time. The pacer helps you maintain a steady pace throughout the race. Usually, a small group forms around them, which can make for a friendly, supportive race experience. It’s a great way to run consistently and benefit from the energy of the group.

The marathon is every bit as daunting as it is magnificent. For a first-timer, avoiding these three classic mistakes, starting too fast, getting too nervous in the crowd and burning through all your matches in the opening kilometres, can make the difference between a painful experience and an unforgettable memory. Follow these simple but crucial tips and you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of crossing the finish line with a smile, proud to have conquered the 42.195 km with intelligence and humility. Good luck, and above all… run smart!