Gear, Nutrition, and More Tips for Your Marathon-Training Journey

We’re approximately 16 weeks out from the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Some runners may just be starting to train and others may be building a base first and are now entering the next phase of training. Regardless of where you are on your marathon-training journey, we hope these tips help you feel race-day ready on November 6. Read below to continue on your marathon-training journey! 
 
Tip #1: Experiment with gear and nutrition.  
 
We always say, 'nothing new on race day'. With 16 weeks to go, start looking into your gear and nutrition. Try new shoes to see what brand and model feel and fit the best for your feet. When trying new gels, find one that sits best with your stomach. Remember, our gel partner Science in Sport (SiS) will be on the course, so give them a try! 
 
Tip #2: Go easy most of the time. 
 
You should be running at an easy pace for most of your weekly runs; only some of your runs should be fast. Make sure you don't run any back-to-back hard workouts to give your body a chance to recover. If you want specific guidance on when to go easy and when to train hard consider registering for NYRR Group Training or purchasing the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon Coaching Lab by Runcoach training program. 

Tip #3: Sign up for one of our training runs and/or a weekly race. 

NYRR puts on some great training runs in the summer and fall to prepare you for November 6. Check out the TCS New York City Marathon Training Series 12M on August 20 and the TCS New York City Marathon Training Series 18M on October 2. You can also sign up for a weekly race, which is a good way to test your fitness along your training journey. Running different race distances in a competitive setting not only gives you an indication of where you are with your fitness level but can also help get your head in the game.

Tip #4: Train on the course if possible or mimic it depending on where you live. 
 
One of the best things about the TCS New York City Marathon is that you can train on almost the entire course! If you are local, or are visiting during your training, run sections of the course so you know what to expect on race day. Just be aware that you cannot run or walk on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge! Also, be the sure to watch out for traffic on the non-blocked off streets and pedestrians that may crowd city sidewalks. If you are not in NYC, try to find hills and running routes where you live that match the elevation changes along the course.  
 
Stay tuned for our next set of training tips 12 weeks before the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon that will cover injury prevention, NYRR panels providing more insight into training, how to dress for expected race-day weather, and more!