You finally did it. You took the plunge and registered for a marathon. Congratulations! As you ride the wave of emotions that comes along with signing yourself up for a 26.2-mile run, you’re probably starting to think about the logistics of how you’ll cross the finish line in an upright position. Yeah – that little detail.

First and foremost, you’ll have to train hard for the next several months. But that’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Getting fitted for a proper pair of shoes and doing cross-training workouts will also be paramount to your success. Training for and running a marathon is an enormous undertaking, but the payoff of sailing across the finish line with pep in your step and a smile on your face is totally worth it. We promise.

Before you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement this summer, read up on our marathon training tips. You’ll be logging miles and collecting your finisher’s medal before you know it.

• Find your stride. Samantha Clayton, a certified trainer and former Olympic sprinter, recommends finding your stride length by focusing on your arm drive. To do this, run at 70 percent of your maximum speed with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle. Drive them back and forth to a full range of motion. Play around with your arm reach to find your own comfortable stride.
• Buy the perfect shoes. If you’re serious about completing a marathon, which you are, then it’s worth the investment to buy shoes that fit your feet absolutely perfectly. And no, you can’t just pick a pair you like and order them online. Your best bet is to get fitted at a pro running store. They’ll analyze your stride and foot strike pattern to recommend a shoe that works for you.
• Do cross-training workouts. You may be tempted to stick only to running while training for a marathon. After all, the best way to gain strength and speed is to practice. But cross-training two days per week will improve your overall fitness level and give your joints a break from pounding the pavement. Swimming, biking, yoga, and weight training are all great options for your cross-training workouts.
• Reduce inflammation with ice. You don’t have to be injured to use an ice pack. After each long run, ice your shins for 5-10 minutes to reduce any inflammation that may be present. Not only does it work, it also feels great – especially on super hot and sunny summer days.
• Stash your water supply. Staying hydrated is one of the most crucial marathon training tips to remember. And, if you’re strategic, you don’t have to carry multiple water bottles with you. Before you start, drive to a spot you know you’ll reach near the end of your run and hide a frozen water bottle in a bush or under a tree. Some of the ice will have melted when you reach it, and the cool water will be so refreshing.