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Runner's World Summarizes Common Mistakes in the Week Before a Marathon
1 sources · 1 reports
On October 6, 2026, Runner's World compiled the experience of multiple running coaches and published a list of common mistakes in the week before a marathon, listing eight categories of problems: adding extra training at the last minute, trying new gear or new nutrition, pre-race anxiety, last-minute carb loading, neglecting hydration, obsessing over sleep, not reviewing the course map, and fixating on uncontrollable factors. The coaches' advice includes: reducing mileage during the taper by about 40%, starting carb loading two to three days before the race, and maintaining a consistent routine and nutrition plan. This is currently the only report on the event, with no follow-up developments or contradictions with other reports.
Story reports
Runner's World gathered advice from multiple run coaches on the eight most common mistakes marathoners make during race week, including squeezing in last-minute workouts, trying new gear or fuel, prerace anxiety, last-minute carb loading, letting hydration slip, obsessing over sleep, skipping the course map, and stressing over what you can't control. Coaches suggest cutting mileage by about 40 percent during taper and starting carb loading two to three days before race day.
Runner's World