From your first training run to the finish line: the keys to a confident preparation

The Lausanne Marathon

On October 26, 2025, Lausanne will come alive to the rhythm of more than 40,000 footsteps along the shores of Lake Geneva. Whether you’ve signed up for the full marathon, the half marathon, or the 10K, smart preparation will make the difference between an unforgettable memory and a painful setback.

Our top tips for successful training :

1. The golden rule: never ignore pain

Even minor discomfort that lingers for more than 48 hours deserves attention. The sooner you address it, the quicker it can be resolved.

2. Three common mistakes to avoid

• Going too hard, too fast: It’s the classic trap. Progress gradually and never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%, no matter how motivated you feel.

• Ignoring fatigue signals: Sometimes it’s better to skip a few training days than face three months of forced rest.

• Trying something new on race day: Shoes, clothing, or nutrition — test everything in training. Race day is not the time for surprises.

3. Strength training: your hidden performance booster

Running performance isn’t just about speed. Strength and plyometric training are proven strategies for preventing injuries, especially when adapted to your needs and supervised (meta-analysis: Lauersen et al., 2014). Bonus: these same exercises also improve running efficiency, as shown in a recent study involving 650 runners (meta-analysis: Llanos-Lagos et al., 2024).

Need a little extra support?

Even with the right approach, you may still face questions along the way:

• A nagging pain that doesn’t go away?

• Doubts about your ability to handle the distance?

• The sense that something feels “off” in your stride?