11 Major Marathon Mistakes | Active.com

11 Major Marathon Mistakes Active.com

Here are 11 mega-marathon mistakes:

1. Most marathoners don't have the right time goal.
2. Most marathon runners fail to fold goal-pace running into their long runs.
3. Too many marathon runners try to carry out a long run every weekend.
4. Most marathoners fail to use sports drinks properly during the race.
5. Most marathon runners mix sports drinks with other things during the race.
6. Many marathoners fail to standardize their pre-race meal.
7. Too many marathoners try something new on race weekend.
8. Marathon runners don't taper properly before the race.
9. Too many marathoners emphasize volume of training over quality.
10. Too many marathoners forget that fitness is the ultimate predictor of marathon success.
11. Some marathoners actually think that walking during the race will improve their times.

Owen Anderson, Ph.D., is a coach and exercise scientist who edits Running Research News and is the author of three books on running: Great Workouts for Popular Races, Lactate Lift-Off, and Aurora. For more information about Owen's unique training techniques, visit http://www.runningresearchnews.com or e-mail him at owen@runningresearchnews.com.
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