There is nothing quite like the runner's high; it's euphoric. The moment you cross that finish line; the sense of achievement you feel is magical. I'd compare it to the sensation of listening to your favourite music at a live concert on repeat; I know any Swifties out there can relate.
All the hours battering the tarmac are worth it for the sense of triumph. Runners become overcome with emotion after completing a long-distance race. Well, I know I do. The adrenaline and dopamine fill your body to the gills, and many people are blessed with an overwhelming sense of pride.
Then, as the minutes pass, your legs remind you what you have just done and give up their functionality for several hours, or even days. Still, I swear it's worth it.
Next week, roughly 56,000 runners - a record-high - will hopefully experience the runner's high at the TCS London Marathon. The skill level of every single runner that takes part will vary and the time it takes to run the 26.2-mile course is irrelevant to many; they just want to cross that finish line and conquer the incredible amount of physical adversity that comes with it.
I have been a long-distance runner for many years now, and I'd like to say I'm not half bad at it. My half-marathon personal best is one hour and 31 minutes. When I type that time into Google it tells me I am 'an advanced runner', so I will take that.
That achievement apparently makes me qualified to tell you five must-have essentials for marathon training. Don't listen to elite runners like Eliud Kipchoge; no, listen to me. In all seriousness, we at Mail Sport have listed five items that can take any amateur runner to the next level.
Garmin Forerunner 165
The moment I got my hands on a Garmin smartwatch, my life changed forever. That may sound dramatic, but as a regular runner, it was a game-changer in my training for long-distance races. It helps track your speed which is needed for tempo and interval sessions - which are both important in marathon training -and much more.
I never leave my house without the Garmin Forerunner 255 music, whether that's for a run or just normal life. It tracks your heart rate, the quality of your sleep, and even your stress levels. Yep, it's pretty damn cool. They look more than fetching on the eye too.
While I love my Forerunner 255, I understand that for many amateur runners, the price might be a little steep - it will set you back £249.99. That's why I would recommend the Forerunner 165, which is part of the latest contingent of Garmin smartwatches. It retails at £199.99 and it's training metrics are top-tier.
Precision Fuel 30 Energy Gels
In my first-ever half marathon race, I learned the hard way the importance of re-fuelling with gels. I flew through the first eight miles of the race; I was on cloud nine and even started dancing with a live band on the side while running at one point.
However, at mile nine the wheels came off rather dramatically. By mile 11 I could barely run, and I walked much of the remainder of the course before collapsing at the finish line. Why did this happen? I didn't have any source of fuel on me during the run and just relied on water stops. Big mistake.
After that experience, I vowed to start using gels in training and on race day. After trialling many, my go-to is now Precision Fuel. Their 30 Energy Gels sachets have a neutral flavour that agrees with my stomach while running - it's hard to explain just how important that is - and they are so easy to consume while on the go.
Osprey hydration vest
When you have all that fuel on you, where is it going to go? I mean, for a marathon you usually require upwards of 10 gels, including caffeine supplements, depending on how long you are out there. It needs to go somewhere.
In recent years storage vests have taken over the running scene. When it comes to marathons and ultra-marathons they are very much needed, and Osprey produce some of the best when it comes to hydration versions.
The Dyna LT vest, the women's version, and the Duro LT, which is for men, both hold water in the back and the front. They also have lots of space for your gels, any other source of fuel, your phone, keys, and wallet. You name it; they have space for it.
Now if you don't fancy a vest, I have a great alternative for you. For my half marathon races I use the Kiprun hydration running belt; I swear by it. You don't need quite as much space for the shorter distances, and this belt almost feels as if it isn't even there as you run.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 running shoes
You can't run without the right footwear, can you? Well, if you do run without running-specific shoes then you are a silly billy.
As soon as I was tasked with this feature my mind rushed to the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's; what a shoe. I can't sing my praises about them enough; they have been a mammoth upgrade from any training shoe I have used in years gone by. In fact, they are so good that I race in them over carbon-plated super shoes.
The Rebel v4 makes it feel like you are running on clouds due to the cushioning sole; while they are incredibly comfortable. The bounce off the pavement provides bounce-back energy as you run; the extra skip in your stride. They are the perfect shoe for all training distances; especially marathons and half-marathons.
They may be shaped like a banana; and visually put some people off; but that doesn't matter to me. Their sister the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is also one of the best super shoes in the game if you are looking to step it up a notch for race day.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
I'm somebody who needs to listen to music; whether that's in training or on race day. The manic beats of techno and house tunes are what help me trundle along on the road and beat the mental battles that come with the sport.
The problem with most earphones is that they inhibit your ability to react to what's going on around you. Most race organisers ban the use of normal headphones and you can even get disqualified for using them.
During my dreadful first half-marathon, I was forced to run without music, and boy did I need it while stuck in that pain cave.
Fortunately, there is a company that allows you to listen to tunes while running and be safe doing so. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones use bone conduction which keep you aware and allow you to stomp away to the bangers you love. Another game-changer in the running world, and I highly recommend them.