Run the Race You Want Now

Whether you are a marathon runner, a triathlon runner, or you want to be, there are important steps you must take before starting on this type of running journey. Some may seem too simple, such as training and endurance. 

However, there are other important steps to remember before taking the race. If you are ready to run your first marathon, here are some things to remember.

It Does Not Have To Be Competitive

It does not matter if you are running a competitive race or not. Suppose you run a marathon for fun, like the Great North Run in North-East England, where most people run for charity rather than to win. 

Or are you an experienced marathon runner who would rather win than participate? Whether you want to win or run for fun, you are still participating in a marathon run, which in itself is an accomplishment to be proud of. 

Marathon running can be a difficult but important mindset to get into at the start of the run. Many people will run to raise money or to try and beat their personal best because running is a hobby, while others will run to win. 

Regardless of whether you are running for other people's reasons, you do not have to be competitive if you do not want to. It is not worth an injury to try and compete with people. 

Health Matters

In Europe, many marathons will require a signed doctor's note to say you are in good physical health. In this case, you can go to your local GP practice and ask for this letter to be written. A fit-to-run letter could take some time, depending on how much time the practice has and how soon you can be seen when this is not urgent. 

The other option is to get a sports medical certificate in the UK, this is available online. To do this, you would speak with a trained medical professional about your health online and would be able to pay to receive this certificate if you fit the criteria. 

The benefit of being able to get this certificate online is that you will receive it in an email the same day. So, if you are running behind with your preparations or did not know you needed one, you can still get the certificate. 

Prices are not much higher than you would be required to pay for your local GP practice, and you would receive the certificate faster. 

It is important to ensure good physical shape when entering a marathon, triathlon, or any other endurance-type run or race. Regardless of weight and other factors, you need to be in good physical health. You can find this out by seeing or speaking with a GP or physical therapist. 

Summary

Do not let something like paperwork stop you from participating in an event you will have trained for years to participate in. Even if you find out at the last minute, you can be sorted quickly with the help of online services. Get a sports medical certificate in the UK when you need it, and do not get left in the dust.