Five Sacrifices You’ll Have To Make When Training For A Marathon

Marathons are grueling challenges and take an awful lot of training. But it isn’t just training that you have to be committed to, there are certain other lifestyle changes that become a part of that if you are going to firstly, complete a marathon and secondly, do so to the best of your ability. 

Training for a marathon takes a lot of sacrifices, but what are the key ones you’ll have to make?

Time

Training for a marathon takes time, and lots of it. You’ll need to set aside several hours a week to run, cross-train, and recover. This may mean sacrificing time spent with friends and family, or reducing the amount of time you spend on other hobbies or activities. It can be helpful to create a training schedule and stick to it, ensuring that you’re giving yourself enough time to prepare for the race.

Think about what time of day you prefer to run and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Comfort

Running long distances is not comfortable. You will likely experience aches, pains, and blisters. To train effectively, you may need to sacrifice some of your creature comforts. This might mean running in the rain, the cold, or the heat. It may also mean investing in proper running gear, such as supportive shoes and moisture-wicking clothing, to help reduce discomfort and prevent injury.

Unhealthy Habits

To be successful in marathon training, you’ll need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This may mean sacrificing some unhealthy habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking. It may also mean making changes to your diet, such as reducing your intake of processed foods and increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. By adopting healthy habits, you’ll have more energy, recover faster, and be better prepared to tackle the challenges of training.

For some, that can be more difficult than others, particularly when it comes to the likes of smoking and alcohol. However, these will hamper your training significantly, and the best course of action is to give them up completely. Your training will be better for it, as well as your own health. If that is difficult, then it may be that you have a problem, and seeking addiction counselling may be required in order to maximise your potential out on the roads.

Social Life

Training for a marathon can be a solitary pursuit. You’ll likely spend a lot of time running alone or with a small group of fellow runners. This may mean sacrificing some of your social life, particularly if your friends and family are not runners themselves. However, it’s important to find a balance and ensure that you’re not completely cutting yourself off from your support system. Consider inviting friends or family members to join you on shorter runs, or finding a running club or group that aligns with your schedule.

Finances

Marathon training can be an expensive endeavour. You’ll need to invest in proper running gear, such as shoes, clothing, and a watch to track your progress. You may also need to pay for entry fees, travel expenses, and accommodations for the race itself. Additionally, some runners may choose to work with a coach or trainer, which can be costly. While you don’t need to break the bank to train for a marathon, it’s important to recognise that there may be some financial sacrifices involved.