Running 42.2 kilometres is no small feat. For many, the idea of completing a marathon feels almost impossible — hours on your feet, endless training sessions, and the mental battle that comes with pushing your body further than ever before. It’s tough, it’s gruelling… but it’s also life-changing.
Just ask Harry Garside. The Olympic boxer and Dancing With The Stars semi-finalist is preparing to take on the TCS Sydney Marathon, and even with his elite sporting background, the training has been a whole new challenge.
For him, it’s about more than just clocking up kilometres. It’s about finding tools and routines that make him stronger, more efficient and more resilient along the way.
“When I’m looking for ways to improve my training, recovery, or just trying to make better choices every day, I look for things that are powerful, efficient and built with purpose,” he says.
That mindset is what led him to partner with Ninja, the global kitchen and home brand now teaming up with the TCS Sydney Marathon in a new three-year partnership.
From showcasing their latest innovations at the pre-race Running Show to creating a post-race Recovery Village, Ninja is backing runners like Harry every step of the way.
So what does it take to cross that finish line? Harry shares his top tips for anyone preparing for their first marathon.
Fuel your body properly
“Protein’s great for muscle repair, but I’m leaning into carbs right now. Rice with a bit of maple syrup, banana on toast. It’s about fuelling up and making sure the body has what it needs.”
Hydration is everything
“When you’re out there for a long time, staying hydrated is everything. You feel the drop in energy fast.” To keep it interesting, Harry turns to the Ninja SLUSHi, which transforms electrolyte-rich drinks into icy post-run slushies — ideal for cooling down and topping up fluids.
Ninja SLUSHi
$499.99
Don’t skip recovery
“After a big run, I’ll usually make a smoothie to refuel — almond milk, banana, Biscoff, dates, granola… sometimes a bit of chocolate milk too.” He blends it all together using the new Ninja Stealth IQ, launching in September. “It’s quick, powerful and smooth. Everything you want post-run.”
Learn more about the new Ninja Stealth IQ here.
Respect your body
“I’ve had a pretty complex relationship with food, especially coming from boxing where weight cuts can be brutal. But training for a marathon has been a shift. It’s not about restriction — it’s about respect for your body and fuelling it properly.”
So, if you’re thinking of running your first (or tenth) marathon this year, don’t forget to plan your training, listen to your body, and enjoy the process — the finish line will be worth it.
Read next: Want to run marathon? We asked the experts for the ultimate training guide
