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With the Boston Marathon approaching next month, many runners are entering the most critical stretch of their training. One of those runners is Becs Gentry, a fan-favorite Peloton instructor, podcast host, Xyzal partner and Hoka global brand ambassador who has run more than 20 marathons. Here, she shares the essentials she relies on to prep for a big race, her advice for first-time marathoners and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy most memorable one so far has been the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. <\/em>I\u2019d had, what I would have considered at the time, one of the roughest years of my life. I\u2019d gone through a divorce and I had put a lot of my energy into running, but I knew I was quite depleted, both mentally and physically, going into that race. I knew I\u2019d gotten faster and fitter over the summer; however, it was definitely not the result I expected. I really dug deep, but I also had the best day of my life in that race and came away finishing the first \u2018non-elite\u2019 female over the line, which was an incredible feeling and accomplishment to have experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost marathon training programs should be 18 weeks: 16 weeks of hard training and two weeks of taper. During that time, my prep essentials are my favorite sneakers\u2014the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0\u2014and my instant hydration\u2014electrolytes\u2014and magnesium to help my body recover. My favorite meals are the Kreatures of Habit Meal One for the night before. If I don\u2019t have access to making that myself in a hotel room, I will have some form of bread, peanut butter, banana, strawberries\u2014that kind of thing\u2014in the morning. And if it is a seasonal race, I\u2019ve definitely got my Xyzal to take the night before for my allergies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but I didn\u2019t really know it. So when I was in London, I felt more immune to it because it\u2019s where I have spent a lot of my life. Then, moving to New York and experiencing different allergens, I became very aware that I suffered from seasonal allergies. The change from winter to spring was particularly annoying, and I didn\u2019t quite understand why. I was always so snotty, itchy-eyed and kind of tired from having a bad night\u2019s sleep. Having used Xyzal [Gentry is partnering with the brand to raise awareness during allergy season], I now realize I have allergies. But in the interim, I tried to sleep with a humidifier, which didn\u2019t do much for me. I used to wash my face in the morning to get rid of the puffy swelling under my eyes. I\u2019d wear eye patches. I\u2019d do pretty much everything I could. But then I discovered Xyzal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter the marathon, I like to unwind by seeing friends and family, having a glass of champagne, getting in my Normatec recovery boots and eating a good meal. Although it does take me a really long time to want to eat solid food. I\u2019m more up for having a big smoothie full of lots of nutrients straight after a race and then a\u00a0meal later in the day. But, I just like to see how my body\u2019s feeling and generally roll with it on the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy advice for first-time marathoners this year is to enjoy it. Try not to go in with a really deep goal that may potentially set you up for failure. You want to have the goal of finishing this race, experiencing it, feeling it and living in the moment. This is such a big deal for you. You\u2019ve trained for so long, and you want to have that victory lap, as everybody calls it, on the day. So take it all in, run with a smile and enjoy feeling that medal being placed around your neck by an amazing volunteer when you cross the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat are your marathon prep essentials? <\/h2>\n
I can\u2019t imagine being a professional runner with bad allergies. Have you always suffered from them? <\/h2>\n
How do you unwind after a race? <\/h2>\n
Do you have any advice for first-time marathoners this year? <\/h2>\n