Marathon Runner Becs Gentry Shares Her Pre-Race Tips

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 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.

Which marathon is your most memorable?

“My most memorable one so far has been the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. I’d had, what I would have considered at the time, one of the roughest years of my life. I’d 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’d 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 ‘non-elite’ female over the line, which was an incredible feeling and accomplishment to have experienced.”

What are your marathon prep essentials?

“Most 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—the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0—and my instant hydration—electrolytes and magnesium to help my body recover. My favorite meals are the Kreatures of Habit Meal One for the night before. If I don’t have access to making that myself in a hotel room, I will have some form of bread, peanut butter, banana, strawberries—that kind of thing—in the morning. And if it is a seasonal race, I’ve definitely got my Xyzal to take the night before for my allergies.”

I can’t imagine being a professional runner with bad allergies. Have you always suffered from them?

“Yes, but I didn’t really know it. So when I was in London, I felt more immune to it because it’s 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’t quite understand why. I was always so snotty, itchy-eyed and kind of tired from having a bad night’s 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’t do much for me. I used to wash my face in the morning to get rid of the puffy swelling under my eyes. I’d wear eye patches. I’d do pretty much everything I could. But then I discovered Xyzal.”

How do you unwind after a race?

“After 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’m more up for having a big smoothie full of lots of nutrients straight after a race and then a meal later in the day. But, I just like to see how my body’s feeling and generally roll with it on the day.”

Do you have any advice for first-time marathoners this year?

“My 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’ve 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.”