echnology executive Ed Baker stays physically active in many ways, some of which are heavy on cardiovascular exercise, like marathons and triathlons. While training is a key element of getting ready for a marathon, mental preparation on race day, including strategizing, plays a key role in success as well.
Always warm up before a run. A warmup should last between 20 and 30 minutes and include both stretching and running. Warmup runs should begin slow and build to marathon pace.
Go into a marathon with a clear pacing strategy. For the most part, a runner's pace should be even and consistent for most of the race, though a small drop in speed in the latter half of the event is inevitable. Try to keep this drop below 5 percent and focus on maintaining a consistent overall speed. Running too fast can lead to lactate accumulation, which ultimately causes fatigue.
Try to save energy for the last six miles of the run. During the home stretch, a runner should be willing to push the human body to the limit. Avoid overexertion, though. A cramp at this stage can be disastrous.
