I’m officially about 8.5 weeks out from my first marathon! Daylight savings has kicked in, and the evenings here in Southeast Texas are already shifting into that cool, sometimes chilly, and often windy pattern. It’s dark by 6 p.m., and the days feel shorter than ever—but the training has to keep moving forward.
I’ll be honest: between the weather and the time change, it has been a bit tougher lately to get up and run. Motivation doesn’t always come naturally, especially when the warm bed and early sunset are both trying to convince you to stay inside. But persistence is everything. I keep reminding myself that this is what it takes to finish a marathon. Everyone loves the excitement, the cheers, and the applause on race day, but that alone doesn’t make you a marathoner. What truly defines a runner is the work you put in when no one sees you—especially when everyone else is calling it a night.
Fresh Ways to Stay Motivated
One thing that has really helped me push through these tougher days is switching up my training routes. Running the same loop over and over can drain your motivation, so try exploring new parks, trails, or well-lit paths. Just make sure you stay aware of your surroundings and plan your route ahead of time, especially if you’re running after dark.
If you’re struggling mentally, try linking up with others. Running with friends or joining a run club can completely change the energy of your training week. When you’re surrounded by people who share your goals, it’s much easier to get out the door—even on the days when you don’t feel like it.
And here’s something many runners forget: sometimes the hardest part is not the run itself, but simply starting it. Get through that first half mile. Let your body warm up. Let your breathing settle. It’s amazing how often the rest falls into place once you’ve overcome that initial resistance.
Don’t Neglect Hydration and Fueling
Even though temperatures are dropping, hydration and proper fueling are still crucial. Cooler weather tricks a lot of runners into thinking they don’t need to drink as much, but your body is still losing fluids—just in a way that’s less noticeable. Stay on top of your electrolytes, especially on long runs. Aim to drink small amounts frequently rather than chugging a lot at once.
Nutrition also becomes increasingly important as you approach peak mileage. For runs longer than 75–90 minutes, make sure you’re fueling with gels, chews, or easily digestible carbs. Your body only stores so much glycogen, and marathon training demands consistent replenishment.
Gear That Makes a Difference
If it’s cold, windy, or damp, make sure you’re dressing for comfort and performance. Lightweight gloves, moisture-wicking layers, and a good windbreaker can completely change your experience. I recently had to buy running gloves because no matter how long I ran, my hands stayed cold. Small adjustments like that make the miles feel more manageable.
Another tip from a coaching perspective: don’t overdress. Being slightly chilly at the start is normal and actually ideal. You should warm up within the first mile or two. Overdressing leads to overheating, which affects performance more than cold air ever will.
Coach’s Tips for the Final Stretch
As a running coach would say, the next few weeks are where the real work happens. You’re close enough to feel excited, but still far enough away that the peak training load hasn’t hit yet. Here are some recommendations to help you stay strong and consistent:
1. Prioritize your long run.
If life gets busy and you need to shuffle your schedule, don’t skip or shorten the long run. It’s the backbone of marathon success.
2. Add strength training once or twice a week.
Focus on core, glutes, and lower-body stability exercises. These improve running efficiency and significantly reduce injury risk.
3. Respect your easy days.
Most marathon miles should be done at an easy, conversational pace. Easy days are how you build endurance without burning out.
4. Run in the conditions you’ll race in.
If your marathon is likely to be cool or windy, embrace those days during training. They help you prepare mentally and physically.
5. Practice your race-day fueling.
Never try new gels, drinks, or hydration strategies on race day. Experiment now, during your long runs, so your stomach knows what to expect.
6. Listen to early signs of injury.
A little soreness is normal; pain that alters your form is not. Step back early, not late.
7. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Marathon training teaches patience and grit. Some runs will feel tough, some will feel effortless—and both are part of the process.
Keep Going—You’re Closer Than You Think
Marathon training isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. Every run—especially the hard ones—is strengthening your body and your mindset. You’re building a level of endurance, discipline, and confidence that will carry you across that finish line.
Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. Trust the process, trust your training, and remind yourself that you’re getting stronger every week.
