Marathon mindset: Expert tips for training for the UAE’s upcoming long distance runs

Expert advice for budding runners tackling one of the UAE’s big upcoming races

Perhaps you’re new to one of the city’s running clubs and looking for a challenge. Or maybe you’re a seasoned runner with a goal already set.

Whatever your current status, if you’re thinking about giving a distance challenge a go this year, we tapped fitness trainer and experienced long-distance challenge addict Sarah Stoneley for her top tips.

So you’re thinking about doing a half-marathon, where’s the best place to start?

Find a race that looks fun. Enter as a group of friends or colleagues so you can keep each other accountable and enjoy the training process and race day together.

⁠What are the most common mistakes, and how can we avoid them?

– Slow and steady wins – whatever level you are, you want to build slowly. I advise increasing your long run distance by around 10% per week, roughly and overall weekly distance over time.

– Don’t skip strength training, it’s absolutely key to avoiding injury. Keep regular strength sessions in your program with a key focus on lower body, core and posterior chain.

– Fuel and hydrate before all runs. Be they short or long, always stay hydrated before, during and after and never do a long run without eating properly beforehand.

⁠What’s your best advice for balancing training with work, family and social life as a beginner?

The reality of training for a long run, such as a marathon, is that it’s going to require some sacrifice, which is part of the challenge – so embrace it. I personally like to meet my friends for coffee at the end of my run so that I can tie in my training and my social life together. When I enter a new training block, I accept that I am going to be having more early nights and less social time for a few weeks. The balance gets harder, but get on top of your schedule and plan ahead for all of your training so that when you show up for work and family, you can give them your energy. When you cross the finish line, you will be extra proud of your dedication.

⁠How should first-time long-distance runners think about race day goals?

Enjoy the process. If you have never run a half or full marathon before, worry less about your pace and time and more about embracing the experience. You will learn so much from the first marathon that you can take forward for future races.

⁠If you could give one piece of advice to someone training for their first half or full marathon, what would it be?

Do it for reasons that really matter to you. It’s so much easier to motivate yourself on days you don’t feel like it if there is a deeper inspiration for why you are doing it. Everyone’s journey is personal.

Follow Sarah’s journey on @sarahstoneley_