Prepare for Your Marathon or Half Marathon with InTheMarket.ie
Marathon season
The marathon and half marathon seasons are upon us, and there’s no better time to gear up and get ready for these exciting challenges. At InTheMarket.ie, we‘re passionate about supporting your fitness journey with our top-quality home cardio equipment. Whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, Galway, or anywhere in Ireland, we want to help you cross that finish line with confidence. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for your upcoming marathon or half marathon.
Training tips for marathon and half marathon success
- Create a training plan: A structured training plan is crucial. Start with a plan that gradually increases your mileage each week. For beginners, a 16-week plan is ideal, while more experienced runners might opt for a 12-week plan. There are some great apps that can help you build up your endurance gradually, such as Couch to 5K, Runna & The Nike App.
- Invest in quality home cardio equipment: Training indoors can be a convenient and effective way to prepare. Our range of treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals are perfect for those days when you can’t get outside. They allow you to maintain consistency, regardless of weather conditions. If there are days you can’t fit in an outdoor run – you can hop on the treadmill and get your training done for that day from the comfort of your own home!
- Incorporate variety: Mix up your training with long runs, tempo runs, interval training, and recovery runs. This variety not only keeps training interesting but also helps build different aspects of your endurance and speed. Training for a big event can start to feel monotonous so it’s important to mix things up for yourself! This is where having home equipment can come in handy, as you can switch your routine up by training both indoors and outdoors.
- Strength training and cross-training: Adding strength training to your routine can improve your running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. Focus on core and lower body exercises. Additionally, activities like cycling and swimming can provide great cardiovascular benefits without the impact on your joints and can be great for muscle recovery.
- Nutrition and hydration: Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Hydration is equally important—drink water regularly throughout your training. Consider carrying hydration packs, gels and small compact snacks to keep you going!
- Listen to your body: Rest and recovery are just as important as your workouts. Pay attention to any signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue or pain. Recovery tools such as foam rollers, massage guns, saunas or steam rooms, and Epsom Salts can really aid muscle soreness and fatigue – and have you ready in no time for your next training session!
Preparing for the race day
- Check the weather: Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for all conditions by dressing in layers and choosing moisture-wicking fabrics. Have a waterproof layer on hand in case of rain.
- Gear up: Ensure your running shoes are well-broken in and comfortable. Lay out your race day outfit the night before, including your running vest, energy gels, and any other essentials.
- Plan your arrival: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the race start. Arrive early to find parking, use the restroom, and warm up without feeling rushed.
- Warm-up properly: A good warm-up can help prevent injuries and get your muscles ready for the race. Spend at least 10-15 minutes doing dynamic stretches and light jogging.
The final stretch
As the big day approaches, trust in your training and stay positive. Visualize your success and break the race into manageable segments. Remember, the journey to the starting line is a significant achievement.
Here at InTheMarket.ie, we’re cheering for you every step of the way. Our home cardio equipment is designed to support your training, helping you reach your goals no matter the weather or time constraints. Whether you’re aiming to complete your first marathon or set a new personal best, we believe in your strength and determination.
Marathons coming up in Ireland:
- Cork City Marathon – 2nd of June. Run, Walk, Full or Half Marathon. It is also optional to do a 10k.
- VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, Dublin – 2nd of June. A 10k road race which you can walk, jog or run!
- Irish Life Dublin Marathon – October 27th – Take part in the full 26.2 miles/ 42.2km in the buzz of Dublin City Centre!
We wish all the marathon and half marathon participants the very best of luck. Stay focused, enjoy the experience, and don’t forget to celebrate your incredible achievement once you cross that finish line.
Happy running from all the team here at InTheMarket.ie!
Check out our top 3 machines for marathon preparation!
Commercial SMART Treadmill C-99
The Commercial SMART Treadmill C-99 brings home gym equipment to the next level. This next generation, commercial-grade model comes with all of the features you would expect in a robust treadmill: hydraulic folding system, wheels for easy movement, self-lubricating system for zero maintenance, 16-inch screen with a multimedia player, and much more. The 3HP motor allows you to achieve high speeds but more importantly, it guarantees that your motor will not be under pressure even when used frequently, hence ensuring a long life span. Pre-set workout programs make planning your run a breeze, and the automatic incline allows you to simulate hills without any set-up hassle.
BUNDLE: C-66 Treadmill
+ S-5000 Exercise Bike
Create your own instant home gym with this spectacular pairing of our most popular treadmill and best exercise bike. Save almost €165 – that is over 10%! Both come with a 1 year warranty.
SMART Folding Treadmill with Incline T-98
Powered by an impressive 3.5HP motor, this machine offers a versatile speed range of 1 – 20kph. When combined with a maximum possible incline of 20%, this model provides a fantastic variety of workouts, ranging from gentle walks to fast uphill sprints. A large running surface and ability to withstand weights up to 140kg make this model a true workhorse.
To make your life as easy as possible, the T-98 incorporates features such as a lubrication-free belt, magnetic suspension, easy folding and a large display providing information on time, speed, distance, calories burned, pulse etc.
Unlike other treadmills, this model serves multiple purposes – apart from walking and running, you can also use it for dips, push-ups and sit-ups. For a feature you never thought you needed, yet will not be able to live without from now on, it is equipped with a belt-type massager for fat burning and preventing post-workout soreness.
The T-98 SMART treadmill is a versatile and highly equipped machine suitable for all levels of fitness.
