Every runner, at some point, has tripped up on a few mistakes during marathon training or, even worse, on race day.
Yep, even the pros aren’t immune, and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been there, done that, and probably bought the T-shirt too!
Today, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about those all-too-common marathon mistakes. I’m not going to dwell too much on the oopsies in your training or prep in the weeks leading up to the big day—nope, we’re diving into the things we do on race day that can throw a wrench in our marathon dreams.
Let’s make sure we learn from these slip-ups and get across that finish line with a smile!
6 Most Common Marathon Mistakes
I took to some of the biggest running Facebook groups and asked a simple but juicy question: “What mistakes did you make in your first marathon?”
I was aiming for 100 responses, but within two hours, I had over 200 to sift through! It turns out, every single response (except one, which I’ll save as a little surprise for the end) fell into six common themes.
Now, I thought I had the number one mistake pegged, but guess what? My top pick actually came in second! Even more surprising, 56% of all the responses boiled down to just two main themes.
We’re going to cover all six of these themes, one by one. But hold your horses—don’t just skip ahead! Each theme is packed with vital tips to help you crush your next marathon, so stick around and soak it all in.
Related: Should You Run With a Low Heart Rate?
Pacing Strategy Mistakes
I thought this would top the list, but pacing strategy mistakes came in second! A solid pacing strategy is all about planning your speed for different sections of the course, whether your goal is just to finish or to crush a personal best.
Unsurprisingly, 99% of runners admitted they made the classic mistake of starting out too fast. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and adrenaline, or maybe the competitive spirit kicks in when you’re surrounded by other runners. Sometimes it’s just overconfidence or a lack of awareness about your own limits.
There’s a saying that for every one minute you run too fast at the start, you lose two minutes on the back half. So, it’s crucial to figure out the right pace based on your training and stick to it.
Interestingly, 1% of responses mentioned starting too slow. It’s rare, but some folks take it a little too easy, being overly cautious.
But hey, keep in mind the wisdom from our earlier discussion: you might decide not to worry about pace at all and just savor the experience.
After all, you only get one first marathon, so make sure you enjoy every step of the journey!
Now, the category that reached number one is fueling mistakes…
Related: Make sure you check out these great running books for beginner runners.
Fueling Mistakes
Topping the list of marathon mishaps are fueling mistakes! We’ve seen it all: eating the wrong things before the race, munching on the wrong snacks during, not fueling enough in training, not drinking enough, drinking too much, and only hydrating with water without replacing salts.
Marathons are all about endurance, so getting your fueling right is crucial and should be practiced during your long training runs.
It’s not just about what you eat but also when you eat it. A common error? Popping a carb gel when you’re already feeling tired—that’s often too late! When fatigue sets in, blood flow shifts away from your gut to your muscles, making digestion slower and less effective.
To avoid these pitfalls, try to simulate race day during your training: practice with similar weather, clothing, terrain, and fuel. It’s all about getting your body used to the conditions so you can cross these mistakes off your list.
Related: 5 Best Running Books for Beginners.
Foot Care Mistakes
Let’s talk about those hardworking feet of ours—they take a serious beating during a marathon! And when your feet are unhappy, turning the race around is like running uphill both ways.
First things first, several runners had some solid advice: don’t mess with your toenails, avoid pedicures, and steer clear of foot creams the day before the race. You don’t want any last-minute surprises!
Then, there’s the classic mistake of breaking in new shoes too late or, worse, picking the wrong size. A handful of folks found out the hard way that new or too-small socks are a recipe for disaster.
Pro tip: Your feet can swell up during long runs, so breaking in shoes that are half a size bigger during training might just be your saving grace.
Clothing and Supply mistakes
The wrong gear can turn a race into a painful slog, especially when it leads to rubbing in all the wrong places—think groin, armpits, and, yes, nipples. Chafing and skin damage are real threats, and nobody wants to cross the finish line in agony.
A common rookie mistake? Wearing cotton. Whether it’s shirts or socks, cotton is a big no-no. It soaks up sweat and can leave you feeling like a soggy mess.
And let’s not forget the folks who dressed for the wrong weather; nothing like being stuck in the wrong outfit to put a damper on your run.
Special shout-out to Patti, who nailed it with her advice: “I’ve learned to DRESS FOR THE FINISH LINE temperature and add layers that can be DISCARDED at the START and ALONG THE WAY.” Wise words, Patti!
And a moment of silence for Nancy‘s running partner, who lost his hat to the depths of a porta-potty at a hot and humid Hawaii Marathon. Talk about a bad start!
Other top supply blunders included forgetting essentials like sunscreen, nipple tape, lube under bra straps, and not having devices fully charged—whether you need them for tunes or tracking your stats.
Before we move on, I want to hear from you! Drop a comment with your own race-day mistakes. Let’s share the knowledge and get a good laugh (or cry) out of it. Your tips could save someone else’s race!
Race-Day Mindset Mistakes
Scott hit the nail on the head when he said, “A marathon is not TWICE AS HARD as a half. It’s about four times as hard.”
The mental game is a whole different beast, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much willpower it takes to go the full distance.
A lot of runners get caught up in their heads, whether they’re dreading hitting “the wall,” overthinking strategies, feeling the pressure to perform, or freaking out when things don’t go according to plan.
The key here? Respect the distance, keep your cool, and, most importantly, remember to soak it all in.
Daniel had a great reminder: “I WAS RUSHED THROUGH the finish line and DIDN’T ENJOY THE MOMENT of my accomplishment. You’re doing something not a lot of people can do. TAKE IN THE MOMENT.” That finish line is a special place, so savor it!
Another wise runner said, “Just ENJOY the experience. You only get one first marathon.” And Todd‘s advice is pure gold: “Throw any thoughts of a time IN THE TRASH. It’s your first, just go out and enjoy it.”
So, take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and remember: it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the epic adventure along the way!
Training Plan Mistakes
Running a marathon is a beast of its own, but knowing how to prepare for one? That’s a whole other game. The secret sauce? A good plan and the commitment to stick with it over several months.
Fifteen brave souls admitted they either didn’t train enough or, worse, didn’t follow any plan at all.
Pro tip: Give yourself plenty of time to gradually build up your mileage. Your body needs time to adapt, and rushing the process is a recipe for disaster.
Another common blunder was not studying the race specifics. We’re talking terrain, hills, climate, running surface—you name it.
Several weeks before race day, it’s time to get specific with your training. If your marathon has hills, find some hills. If it’s going to be hot, get out there when it’s hot.
And then there’s the classic mistake of going too hard on easy days. Easy days are your body’s chance to recover and get stronger, so take them easy! Overdoing it leads to overtraining, burnout, and injuries—none of which you want before the big day.
Weird Mistake
And now, for the outlier: a special shout-out to Adrian, who ran in the gutter for 15 kilometers looking out for his friends and ended up injuring himself. Talk about dedication!
Here’s an article about 56 weird things runners do. Give it a read!
Remember, mistakes are part of the journey. No one expects perfection. Instead, use these slip-ups as learning experiences.
Reflect, grow, and see each mistake as a stepping stone to smashing your next race. After all, every stumble gets you closer to mastering the marathon!
