If TikTok is to be believed, your mid twenties is the good time for certainly one of two issues: a marathon, or 1 / 4 life disaster. The former is an infinitely extra interesting choice seeing how it’s much less emotionally scarring and time consuming—plus it comes with an added bonus of upping your present degree of bodily health. With that being stated, the nature of a marathon in itself is wholly intimidating. Not solely are you keen your physique to run for an prolonged distance virtually totally with out pause, you’re additionally basically placing it in a high-stress state of affairs the place it has to cope with a sequence of unpredictable variables. Think alongside the traces of climate, incline, and for a few of us, interval pains and aches. This thus brings us to the level of the characteristic: how is it you may greatest put together your self for a marathon?
“Post-pandemic, many of us started valuing our health and time outdoors more. Training for a marathon gives structure and purpose to that,” shares Ben Khoo, well being complement model founder in addition to Singapore Ironman Triathlon report holder. “The constant sharing of races and long runs on social media has also driven a lot of the growth. And honestly, I think people are looking for challenges that are hard but still achievable with consistent effort.”
Intrigued? Lucky for you, Vogue Singapore is right here to present. Below, a full rundown of the greatest ideas, tips and hacks to strive earlier than your first marathon, as informed to us by veterans and newly-admitted newbies.
@runsohfast
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Soh Rui Yong, nationwide lengthy distance runner
Why run a marathon? I made a decision to run a marathon in 2014 as a result of I felt that it was my greatest likelihood to win a gold medal for Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games. Back then. I used to be a greater 10km runner than I used to be a 5km runner, and a greater half-marathon runner than a 10km runner. So the development made sense, if I may deal with the elevated coaching.
What I needed I knew earlier than operating a marathon: Don’t rush issues. My first two marathon buildups went effectively, so I obtained somewhat bit too formidable on my third one and that left me with plantar fasciitis. That bugged me for years, and doubtless stunted my progress—it additionally affected different features of life as effectively. I discovered that I used to be unable to operate correctly at work, and was limping round the workplace. I’m loads more healthy now in my thirties than in my twenties.
The greatest marathon preparation ideas and hacks: First, prep effectively prematurely. Second, taper effectively about two to three weeks out, so your physique absorbs the coaching and is wholesome on race day. Third, tempo your self effectively. Nobody ever began a marathon too sluggish.
One key piece of recommendation for candidates: Get a coach to information you so you may keep away from pointless accidents and different mishaps. Anecdotally, as a coach, I’ve helped greater than 100 runners obtain new private bests. Simple fundamentals make a world of distinction.
@itzeuga
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Eugena Bey, founder and senior Pilates teacher at B.E. Studios
Why run a marathon? My father-in-law truly purchased me the Copenhagen Half Marathon ticket as a birthday present. Honestly, operating a half marathon was not on my life bingo card, however I believed, why not? It felt like one thing new to problem myself with, in addition to one thing to practice for and look ahead to. I’m tremendous fortunate that my first ever half marathon was a part of the TremendousHalf sequence (such an iconic race!) and that I obtained to do it in my husband’s residence nation, operating with him and his household. That made it actually particular and memorable.
What I needed I knew earlier than operating a marathon: The hardest half is simply beginning. And generally, restarting. Progress isn’t all the time linear. Some runs will really feel wonderful, others will utterly humble you, however that’s all a part of it. Be affected person with your self, have enjoyable with the course of, and rejoice the little milestones alongside the method. You obtained this.
The greatest marathon preparation ideas and hacks: First of all, positively no new footwear on race day and even too shut to race day. Be positive to embrace mobility work in your coaching, do correct warm-ups earlier than each run, and don’t skip the post-run stretch or foam roll (your future self will thanks).
One key piece of recommendation for candidates: Lay every little thing out the night time earlier than; suppose your footwear, bib, gels, playlist… all of it. Eat one thing you’ve tried earlier than and keep hydrated. Sleep early when you can, and yet another factor—verify the climate forecast, particularly when you’re racing exterior of Singapore. When we have been in Copenhagen, it was all vibrant, attractive summer time days the entire week earlier than the race. And then in fact, on race day, it poured. Thankfully we’d checked the climate and I managed to get a long-sleeved high. I used to be nonetheless freezing, however not less than I used to be coated. Standing there in the rain ready for your begin group in solely a sports activities bra and shorts? Oof. Not enjoyable.
@tookhooforskhoo
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Ben Khoo, Singapore triathlon consultant at the SEA Games 2025 and founding father of complement label Live Long Long
Why run a marathon? I got here into marathons by triathlons. I used to be already coaching for Ironman, so the marathon was all the time this “final boss” at the finish of a really lengthy day. Eventually I obtained curious: what if I centered simply on the run? Could I see what I used to be actually able to over 42.195 km with out the swim and bike first? There’s additionally one thing very common about the marathon. It doesn’t matter how match you’re—everyone seems to be somewhat bit terrified of the distance, and that shared concern makes the end line really feel further particular. Even now, after operating a 2:34 marathon, I nonetheless deal with each marathon with loads of respect. It by no means feels “easy”, and I feel that problem is a part of the attraction.
What I needed I knew earlier than operating a marathon: Half the battle is in coaching, and the different half is restoration. You can solely profit from the exercises you may take up. Prioritise restoration if you’d like to get the most out of your coaching. For me, the two large pillars of restoration are sufficient, balanced vitamin and good-quality sleep. Don’t strive something new in the final two weeks. No brand-new footwear, no experimental diets, no loopy last-minute “make up” lengthy runs. By then, the hay is already in the barn. Taper, relaxation, and present up wholesome. Also, look good, run good. Wearing a equipment you’re keen on turns coaching from a chore right into a ritual. When I really feel fashionable and assured on the begin line, you’re feeling like the fundamental character in your personal race.
The greatest marathon preparation ideas and hacks: Firstly, observe your race day routine. The greatest method to put together for a race is to simulate it as intently as doable. Practice every little thing—from operating at your aim tempo, utilizing your race outfit (don’t reserve it for race day!), and making an attempt out your pre-race morning routine a pair instances. Never do one thing for the first time on race day. Secondly, begin slower than you suppose you need to. It’s regular to get swept up in the good vibes on race day and run too quick. This all the time occurs. Start the race slower than you suppose you may race, and improve the tempo each 10km. Last however not least, maintain fuelled. Some of the largest efficiency positive aspects in endurance sports activities in recent times have come from higher fuelling methods. You needs to be consuming and hydrating early in the race, earlier than you’re feeling such as you want it. Once you’re depleted, it’s very exhausting to come again.
One key piece of recommendation for candidates: Your associates are your final efficiency hack. The operating firm you retain has a much bigger impression on your progress than any coaching plan. Find an excellent group to run with and maintain you accountable. The street to race day could be lengthy and tough, however the proper folks make the entire course of way more enjoyable.