How to run a Marathon - top tips from our Runlates community!

Feeling inspired by the recent Spring marathons and those who ran them? Harbouring a not-so-secret 'Could I...' thought and wondering how on earth you'd go about training? We can help! Here are some top tips from marathon and half marathon runners in our community to help inspire confidence that if you want to, you maybe you could...

SARAH London Marathon '26 - her first

For any one taking on a big challenge such as a marathon or half marathon for the first time do not be afraid to add some walk sections, a brisk walk allows some recovery time whilst still keeping a reasonable pace, when you break back into a run you will feel more able to run efficiently.

Due to injury early on in my training I very nearly decided against doing the Marathon, Vic suggested looking into jeffing and helped me with my walking technique, this along with my regular Runlates classes and strength work enabled me to train well and enjoy the London Marathon in a time I was happy with, but more importantly without further injuries!

TREVOR London Marathon '26 (and multiple majors before!)

My advice would be to always do several half marathons before attempting a marathon. Also do some half marathon distances slowly and within your maximum effort so you know you can go further.

Follow a training plan which uses different speeds and distances - it's not just about running further and further at the same speed. Rest, hydration, eating well and other forms of exercise are as important as the running.

Pilates at least once a week is essential for both flexibility and strength. Listen to your body.

ELAINE Virtual London Marathon '26 - her first

Try and get a personal plan (not just a generic one off the internet) and whilst it’s important to stick with the plan don’t become obsessed and let it rule everything because you have to adapt to things that life can throw at you like illness. Ideally, have a friend or a group of friends that you can run with. When it’s raining, windy and dark, knowing that your friends are going to be with you means you are far less likely to not run even if all you do is moan!

Reformer Pilates has improved my overall strength, my core and my stability. I would highly recommend it and I noticed after long runs it actually helped reduce any soreness particularly my calves and helped reduce sore Achilles (that I can suffer from). The class, two days after the marathon was fabulous for aiding recovery. Vic's advice and assistance to make the slight adjustments that are needed is always useful. Most of all the class is fun and challenging.

NATASHA - London Marathon '26, her second time

Take the pressure of time off yourself and enjoy it. You worked too hard over the training block to not have fun. 

This is the first marathon whereby I incorporated Runlates into my training and I noticed the difference. I felt more mobile and stronger, I would 100% recommend. 

HANNAH Manchester Marathon '26 - her first

What helped me was having friends join me for my long runs or parts of my long runs, broke up the distance definitely !

It was really nice to do some exercise other than running during the training! Also, I didn’t have any injuries or real niggles at all during the training and I think Runlates really helped. 

HELEN - London Landmarks '26

Prior to London Landmarks I’ve only competed in one previous official Half and that was Shrewsbury 4 years ago. London was well out of my comfort zone as I class myself as a lazy runner only ever running or competing from my front door.

In preparation I had to slow my pace and I ran with a couple of colleagues at work who were new to running so this helped me reset a bit. I also really benefited from the day time shuffling (Shropshire Shuffler) groups - I would break my runs down into three sections, first 7 k I would run in on my own then join shufflers for 7k then run home long for 7 k.

My aim was to raise sponsorship but also to really enjoy the experience. I met up with Clare another Shuffler at the beginning of the race but we agreed that we would each run our own race , but certainly having a friendly face to share any pre race nerves helped also great to have some company in the really long queue for the toilets!

I ran at a pace that enabled me to completely enjoy the whole half marathon but also finish in under 2hrs 15 minutes. I had a few ongoing injuries before  joining Pilates over a year ago now, Pilates has really helped me stay injury free. The exercises focus on hip mobility , core and balance and I’m much more aware of my own body now. 

Wondering if Pilates or Running Technique Coaching could support your training for an event? Whether you want to go further, faster or take on a new challenge get in touch for a chat to find out!