How to Train for Your First Marathon: A Step-by-Step Guide

After years of running half marathons and slightly longer runs, I've finally got the courage to take on the daunting challenge of running a full marathon. This Sunday, I'll be lacing up my shoes and tackling the Brighton Marathon - my first ever 26.2 mile race.

The journey to get here hasn't been easy. In the last two months leading up to the big day, my marathon training plan has been seriously disrupted. Work has had me traveling abroad more often than I would have liked, and fitting in long training runs has proven challenging. In my recent travels between middle east, East Africa and Latin America, the very first thing I made sure of packing, was a pair of running shoes to make sure that I gradually increase my weekly milage.

But despite the setbacks, I'm determined to cross that finish line on Sunday. If you're also training for your first marathon, here are the key steps I've taken to (hopefully) make it to the end:

- Build a solid base. Spend several months gradually building up your weekly mileage and endurance through consistent running. Aim to be comfortably running 30-40 miles per week before beginning your official marathon training plan.

- Follow a structured plan. Having a detailed 12-16 week training schedule to follow is crucial. This will ensure you steadily increase your long run distance and include key workouts like tempo runs and speed sessions.

- Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to take rest days or cut a workout short if you're feeling extremely tired. Injury prevention is key when training for a marathon.

- Fuel and hydrate properly. Make sure you're eating enough calories and staying hydrated, especially on your long-run days. Experiment with different gels, chews, and drinks to find what works best for you.

- Visualize success. Believe in yourself and your ability to reach the finish line. When the going gets tough on race day, draw on this mental strength to push through.

The marathon distance is a massive challenge, but with the right preparation, I know I can do this. Wish me luck on Sunday!