Anxious about your first Marathon? Here’s is how to face it head-on

Signing up for a full marathon is no small feat. It’s one of those Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals (BHAGs) that everyone talks about. Naturally, committing to something so bold and massive is NOT going to be easy—and that’s an understatement.

Why?

Because, as per a research conducted by RunRepeat, less than 0.017% of the 8.2 billion people on Earth have run a marathon every year. Becoming part of this small, elite, and yet humble community isn’t easy; if it were, everyone would do it.

So, if you’ve just signed up for your first full marathon and are suddenly feeling scared, anxious, unsure, or even regretful—let me share a secret: You are not alone. Every one of those 0.017% has felt exactly the same way, likely more than once. That’s just how marathon running goes. Some people are brave enough to admit it, others aren’t.

What’s next?

You can’t escape the nerves, but you can face them head-on. Let’s break it down:

1. Mark the Date

Grab your favorite calendar, take a permanent marker, and circle that marathon date!

If the date is more than 18 weeks away, pat yourself on the back. Great planning!

If the date is between 14 and 18 weeks away, good planning! You’ve got time.

If the date is less than 14 weeks away, brace up for a harder journey! You’ve got not one, but two problems to solve now. It’s still doable, but you’ve made it tougher.

By circling the date, you’re creating a visual reminder of the challenge ahead—one that will push you through moments of weakness and laziness.

2. Tell Everyone

Let your friends, family, and everyone else know that you’ve committed to running a marathon. Yes, shout it out! Remember, only 0.017% of humans have done this. If you’re a social butterfly, go beyond your inner circle—post it on social media, tell your co-workers.

By doing this, you’re tying your ego to the training and outcome of the marathon, thereby raising your commitment level 100x.

3. Plan

In a challenge as big as your first marathon, planning is everything. It’s simple: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

The next 14 to 20 weeks of your life should be mapped out. The quality of the plan is important, but having a plan is the real key. Do your research, ask your running friends, find a coach—get a training plan that works for you.

For those with less than 14 weeks of available time (point 1), you need an extra detailed plan. Find a seasoned runner with at least five marathons under their belt, or get an experienced coach to guide you. They’ll help you navigate and extract the best out of less than optimum time you have at hand.

With this, you’ve just created your how-list for conquering the marathon.

4. Train

Armed with focus (step 1), commitment (step 2), and a plan (step 3), it’s time to hit the road. Let the training begin!

A good plan will include lots of running, rest, non-running workouts, and cross-training. Do everything you can, even if it’s not perfect. Something is always better than nothing.

If the plan says run 18K, run 18K—even if it takes a few extra minutes. Complete the workout!

Life happens—you’ll miss some workouts due to illness, travel, or commitments. That’s okay. Just aim to complete at least 80% of your training.

By doing this, you’re actively working towards your goal and getting closer to crossing that marathon finish line.

5. Find a Buddy

No marathon runner ever said, “That was easy.” A marathon is tough, and the training is even tougher.

So why suffer alone? Find a friend who’s just as crazy as you are, and train together. Or, if you’re lucky, find someone experienced who will guide and support you along the way. Runners are generous people—ask, and they will help.

Even better, join a running group. The more, the merrier when it comes to marathon training (and suffering!).

This creates a support system to pull you through the rigorous demands of training. You’ll find allies to keep you motivated and more importantly, accountable.

6. Celebrate

No, I haven’t lost my mind! You should celebrate even before reaching the finish line. Celebrate the small victories along the way.

Did you nail a tough workout? Treat yourself to some ice cream or a beer. Just ran your longest distance yet? Grab a celebratory breakfast with your running buddies. Take selfies—you’re making memories for a lifetime. You will thank me later for this little nugget!

And don’t forget, setbacks happen too. Celebrate those as well. So, you couldn’t finish the 34K long run? You still managed 28K—that’s a win! It might not call for a huge celebration, but it’s worth acknowledging.

By celebrating, you’ll make the journey more enjoyable. You’ll learn to embrace the process and stay in the present without worrying too much about the future.

Final Thoughts

You may wonder, “Where’s the plan? The dos and don’ts? Advice on shoes, watches, and gear?”

All that matters, but for now, it is time to focus on the fundamentals. The rest will follow. Trust the process, and you’ll figure out the details along the way.

Please be aware that you may get an injury or two during your training phase. Every runner goes through those. Manage them well with appropriate rest and medicial advice (if severe).

The journey to your first marathon is a special one. It’s a journey you must undertake alone—much like Frodo taking ‘the Ring’ to Mount Doom. Yes, he had support from noble friends – men, dwarves, elves, and wizards, but ultimately, he had to do it himself. Likewise, you’ll have help from experienced runners, but this is a challenge only you can conquer.

Good luck! We’ll be waiting on the other side to welcome you into the exclusive 0.017% of humans who dared to run a marathon—and did it.

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