Checklist for Your First Marathon

It is a fantastic time for you! You have been looking into changing your life with better habits and you have taken up a couple of them. The first one that you started was running. You have seen how it has made a difference in your life. You are planning on stepping it up further by enrolling in marathons!

But hold your proverbial horses!

There is quite a bit to learn here.

Let us find out!

The Marathon

Running your first marathon can be a thrilling and intimidating affair simultaneously. However, it gets better when you have all the items you need for the occasion put in the right position. Remember, your first marathon may turn into a nightmare when the lurking feeling of forgetting the essentials crosses your mind on the event day. From your lucky socks to your favorite hair tie, having a checklist is probably the first step to a successful marathon.

You have already taken a chunk of your precious time and miles to do thorough preparations for your first marathon race. It is time to ensure that you are armed with a marathon checklist that will cover all your running essentials. Whether you are thinking about your must-have running gear or post-race requirements, here is the detailed checklist of what you will require for your first marathon:

#1 Your running clothes and personal effect

The running attire should be the first thing on the marathon day. You must know the kind of clothes you will be wearing, and ensure that they give you the comfort you need. Here are the clothes you must have when preparing for your first marathon:

• A shirt

• Pants

• Shoes

• Socks

• Well-fitted sports bra

• Personal first aid kit

The prevailing weather conditions will dictate the clothes to wear in the marathon. The layers of clothing for your first marathon will depend on the climate. You need to consider the throwaway gear that you will easily toss as you get hot. Here are other elements to consider for your wear:

Ear warmers, jacket and gloves on a cold day

A hat, sunglasses and a sweatband on a hot, sunny day

#2 Marathon essentials

You need to carry other marathon essentials when participating in an organized run. For instance, you will need identification at the check-in. You will be given a goodie bag, race bib and safety pins at the check-in.

Here are other essentials you must carry when going for your first marathon:

Credit card or cash to pay for parking and help you partake in fun.

A water bottle to keep you hydrated before, during, and after the race

Fuel for the run- include the bars, gels, gummies and other solid carb sources to energize you during the race

#3 Technologies

The technologies you bring in your first marathon will depend on your personal preferences.

Here are a few tips:

• Headphones if you enjoy music

• Portable charger if you use your phone for music

• Watch or GPS tracker

• Armbands or belts to carry the tech devices you may not wear or hold

Have fun out there!