April 10, 2026

The final weeks before the marathon – how to get the most out of yourself

Months of preparation, early wake-up calls, sore legs—and yet you kept going. Whether you’re standing on the starting line for the first time or already know what to expect, the last two to three weeks before the marathon will determine how well you perform on race day. If you make the right choices during this time, you’ll surpass your own limits on race day.

1. Tapering: Less is more

Tapering involves deliberately reducing your training volume so that your body and mind can fully recover—without losing the fitness you’ve worked so hard to build. Three weeks before the race, reduce your weekly training load to about 60–70%; two weeks before, to 40–50%; and in the final week, 20–30% is sufficient.

Important: The intensity remains the same. Short, brisk intervals keep you going at a steady pace. What changes is the volume.

This is especially true for first-time runners: the urge to train even more is almost inevitable at this stage. But trust the process—your body has already done the work. Now it needs time to process it. Almost everyone experiences the so-called “tapering blues”—heavy legs, mood swings. This isn’t a step backward; it’s your body recharging at full speed.

2. Focus on Your Feet: Your Most Important Tool

During a marathon, each foot hits the ground about 20,000 times. By the 35-kilometer mark, you’ll know whether you’ve prepared for this strain—or not.

This is exactly where the CURREX RUNPRO comes in. The custom-fitted insoles optimize pressure distribution, stabilize the arch of the foot, and reduce improper weight distribution—especially when your muscles get tired and your running form starts to slip. This isn’t a luxury; it’s prevention.

In the weeks leading up to the race, there’s one ironclad rule: no experimenting. Run exclusively in the setup you’ve trained in. If you’re running a marathon for the first time, now is the time to make sure your shoes and insoles really fit together—because what feels fine at the 10-kilometer mark could become a problem by the 38-kilometer mark.

As an official partner of the 2026 HASPA Marathon Hamburg, CURREX supports runners during these crucial moments.

3. Recovery: Small Tools, Big Impact

Your fitness will now improve through consistent rest—not through more training. Three steps make the biggest difference:

Sleep is the most effective way to recover—aim for 8–9 hours, stick to a regular schedule, and avoid scrolling late at night. Foam rolling relieves tension in the calves, thighs, and soles of the feet—10 minutes a day is enough. Cold treatments, such as short cold showers, reduce inflammation and noticeably speed up recovery.

Now, about nutrition: Carb-loading begins in the final week. Pasta, rice, oatmeal—you want to fill up your glycogen stores. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and hard-to-digest foods. First-time runners, take note: stick to familiar meals rather than trying new things—that’s part of the preparation, too.

Ready for Hamburg

April 26, 2026 is fast approaching—and with it, the moment you’ve been working so hard for. The hard work is behind you. What matters now is standing at the starting line, well-rested, with gear you trust, and a mind that’s ready.

For many, it will be the first time they cross the finish line. For others, it will be a new personal best. This final stretch is your chance to make the most of all the hard work you’ve put in over the past few months.

Make sure your feet are ready—with the right support from start to finish.

Discover the CURREX RUNPRO now !