How to Warm Up for a Marathon Without Wasting Energy

Race day is finally here, and you’re pumped to hit the pavement. But before you tackle those 26.2 miles, there’s one essential piece of prep you can’t overlook: the warmup.

While it’s tempting to think you need a lengthy warmup to feel ready, the truth is, for marathons, less is more.

Warmup Guidelines by Training Volume

If you’ve been running under 20 miles per week:

• Skip the jogging.
• Focus on walking, dynamic stretches, and mobility drills.
• Use this time to stay relaxed, hydrate, and mentally prepare.

If you’ve averaged 20–40 miles per week:

• Jog lightly for 5 minutes and follow up with 4×20-second strides.
• Incorporate dynamic stretches and drills like leg swings, high knees, and skipping.
• Walk around to keep the blood flowing as you wait for the start.

If you’ve averaged over 40 miles per week:

• Jog for 8–10 minutes at an easy pace.
• Add strides and plenty of active mobility exercises.
• Avoid overexertion, save your energy for the race.

Adjusting Warmups for Race Scenarios

Major Marathons (e.g., Boston, New York):

• Expect long waits in crowded corrals, limiting your ability to jog.
• Prioritize dynamic stretches like leg swings, knee-to-chest pulls, and skipping.
• Accept that you won’t feel fully warmed up when the gun goes off. Let the first 2–3 miles serve as your "rolling warmup."

Smaller or Local Races:

• You’ll have more freedom to jog and do strides before lining up.
• Use a short, easy run (5–10 minutes) to loosen up, followed by drills and light stretches.

Weather Considerations

• Cold weather: Spend extra time on dynamic mobility to prevent stiffness. A slightly longer jog (up to 10 minutes) can also help.
• Hot weather: Keep the warmup minimal to avoid overheating. Prioritize hydration.

Don’t Forget Fueling During the Warmup

Nutrition plays a vital role in ensuring a strong start:

• Take an energy gel 10–15 minutes before the race begins, especially if you’ve done a short jog as part of your warmup.
• Bring an extra gel to the start line as backup.
• Consider eating a small snack, like a banana or granola bar, to top off your energy stores.
• Hydrate early and often, and don’t underestimate the importance of using the bathroom before the race!

Active Mobility: A Key Focus

Since mileage is limited during the warmup, dynamic mobility exercises are crucial for preparing your body. Add these to your routine:

• Knee-to-chest pulls
• Heel-to-butt kicks
• Leg swings (forward and side-to-side)
• Dynamic skipping drills

These movements get your muscles activated, improve your range of motion, and ensure your legs are ready to handle the miles ahead.

Conclusion

• Keep it short and easy: Warmups for marathons are about saving energy, not burning it.
• Start conservatively: Use the first few miles to find your rhythm and let your body naturally warm up.
• Stay flexible: Adapt your warmup to race-day conditions, whether it’s the weather, course logistics, or your recent training volume.
• Prioritize mobility and fueling: A well-fueled, loose body sets you up for success.

With these tips, you’ll start your marathon feeling confident and ready to go the distance.

Remember, it’s not about feeling perfect at the start line, it’s about finishing strong.