By Molly O’Connor

Signed up for a marathon and now wondering how on earth that decision was decided? Relax. It may seem daunting now, especially when running three miles proves to be a struggle, but the progress after even just one month of training will be remarkable. Follow these tips below for an even more successful marathon.

1. Become a morning runner

No other commitments can come up simply because no one else is awake. When the dreaded alarm goes off at 6 a.m., hop out of bed and lace up those sneakers before your brain can register what is happening.

2. Electrolytes are key

Electrolytes are lost due to the amount of fluids sweated out during a run, which causes the amount of electrolytes in your body to become unbalanced. Therefore, it is important to restore your electrolytes as soon as possible after your run, whether it is through a sports drink or electrolyte tablet.

3. Find a running plan and stick to it

Running sprints before the sun rises may not be ideal, but when race day rolls around it will pay off big time. Don’t skip out on anything during the week just because it seems unimportant; everything is a part of the training plan for a reason.

4. Make your foam roller your new best friend

The majority of runners who train for a marathon will experience some sort of injury at one point or another, but foam rolling can help prevent these. Runners will most likely develop a love-hate relationship with this tool, but it’s good to keep in mind that they are especially good for knee injuries.

5. Find hills

Unless the race is a completely flat course, find a way to work hills into your training regime. Your body will definitely thank you later.

6. Rest up for long runs

Staying out the night before until 2 a.m. and then having to wake up at 6 a.m. for a twelve-mile run will not be beneficial in any way. Treat the long run as you would the actual race day; run your hardest and make sure to fuel up properly.

7. Don’t skimp out on the right running gear

Invest in the proper running clothes. Breathable clothes made out of nylon and the right running shoes will improve results during both training and the race.

8. Eat the right calories

An increase in calorie intake is essential in order keep up with how much your body burns, but it is all about consuming a greater quantity of the right calories. Eating carbohydrates and protein will help your body gain back its strength and nutrients the quickest.

9. During the race take a drink at the first aid station and every single one from that point on

Even though it seems early to get a drink, gulp down at least one cup of either water or Gatorade at that first station. Your body cannot keep up with how fast it will be losing liquids and you will get dehydrated faster than you realize.

10. Go hard at the end

Save most of you energy for the last eight miles or so. If you get burned out at the beginning, the race will be much harder to complete. But if you store your energy up until the end, your adrenaline and time per mile will improve adrenaline pumping.

Soon enough you will be standing amidst thousands of runners with your number pinned to your chest. Take the time to really care for your body during training and do not ignore any signs of potential injury. The sensation experienced after finishing the marathon will make all the tough work more than worth it and the pride felt will last forever.