How to effectively support someone training for a marathon
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How to effectively support someone training for a marathon

If you want to make sure that you are supporting someone who is training for a marathon then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you what steps you can take to make sure that you always give your loved one the help they need to make the most out of their experience.


Join them for a workout

Whether you are a runner or not, it helps to join them on a Saturday run. You may also prefer to join a cross-training session instead. Offering to join them in their workouts is a sign that you support them and it is a fantastic gesture too. Training can get very lonely sometimes, so to have the chance to work alongside someone means a lot. If you don’t run at the same pace as them or if your fitness level isn’t the same then you may feel the need to avoid running with them so you don’t hold them back. That being said, you can still show them support. If you can do this then you will be able to push them again and again. This is priceless, and it can make all the difference to their levels of motivation.


Donate to their campaign

A lot of races offer some kind of charitable component. Runners are encouraged to raise some money for a charity of their choosing. Sometimes this is in the form of an entry fee for the race which helps to support their worthy cause. This can be very expensive, depending on the race. It also gives them the chance to focus on the more physical challenges of their training as they don’t have to worry about the financial side of things. Supporting them financially during their fitness journey can mean the world to them, so make sure you keep that in mind. If you want to help your loved one host mass participation sports events then We Are Massive is a great choice to help with that. They have a community of young workers who are highly experienced, not to mention that they have worked with Nike and Adidas in the past.


Buy them some gear

Running might be free, but at the end of the day, race training and all of the gear you need can add up. Why not get them a gift card so that they can spend it at their running store? You can also give them a foam roller to ease their aching joints. Even socks are good, as are snacks for their post-run session.


Help them To Recovery

A massage or even a class pass is always a good investment after you have broken a serious sweat. You can also take them to a restorative yoga session if you want. Spa treatments or even having a friend send a text reminding you that you need to have a day of rest can help someone feel supported. This is great as it helps the runner to recover and it also gives them the chance to feel as though it’s okay to slow down.


Take on a Task

Is there something you can do to help your friend out? Simple things such as offering to babysit or taking over their laundry duties can help to take some of the tasks off their plate. It also gives them the chance to be much more focused on their marathon training. It alleviates pressure and it stops them from having a never-ending list of things to do.


Feed Them

Runners get hungry. After they have a long and gruelling day out on the track, you need to take the time to make sure that they are having a good diet. Chat with them about their diet plan and what they are having to eat that day. If you can do this then you will soon find that you end up helping them out and that they can eat better, which in turn, supports them with their journey. If you want to help them even more then it’s important to show them what they can do to better their diet too, so they can make positive changes for the future. Why not see if you can help someone, today?


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