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Rio Marathon: Bárbara Freire & André Stadler's First-Timer Tips
Discover how a couple tackles the excitement of their first marathon and the essential strategies to cross the finish line.
Nutritionist Bárbara Freire and André Stadler share the excitement of running their first Rio Marathon. The couple discusses pre-race anxiety, the importance of hydration and nutrition, and apparel tips for comfort and performance over 42k. A light and informative chat directly from the Stemma studio.
Live from the Stemma studio at the Rio Marathon 2026, couple Bárbara Freire and André Stadler shared their expectations and valuable tips for anyone, like them, who is about to tackle the 42k for the first time. Bárbara, a nutritionist, and André, with his more laid-back vibe, offered perspectives on preparation, anxiety, and how to enjoy the race.
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The Thrill of Running Your First Marathon
Both expressed a mix of anxiety and disbelief. Bárbara summarized the feeling of many runners: "My God, are we really going to run a marathon?" André, for his part, tries to remain calm but admits that the thought of 42k brings a natural "little fear."
The day before, the couple participated in the 5k race, which they described as a "big party." André highlighted the fun with bands and activities, where the main concern was to enjoy themselves. This experience serves as a warm-up for the marathon, reinforcing the idea of bringing that same enjoyment to the 42k, even though the challenge is much greater.
Running as a Couple: Focus vs. Fun
Bárbara and André acknowledge their different approaches to running. Bárbara describes herself as "more intense," focused on running strong and with intensity. André, in contrast, prefers to "enjoy" the scenery and the experience. They seek a balance to run together, with Bárbara trying not to sprint ahead and André not falling behind dancing. Bárbara jokes that in other races, André always points out landscapes that she, in her intense focus on the finish line, didn't even notice.
Essential Nutrition and Preparation for the 42k
As a nutritionist, Bárbara Freire shared crucial tips for the days leading up to the marathon:
- Rest: "We can't be wandering around the city the day before. You have to put your feet up."
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and replacing electrolytes is vital. "42k is not two half-marathons," she emphasizes, reminding of the seriousness of the distance.
- Nutrition: Carbohydrate intake is fundamental. "Eat, people, eat, carbs, lots of carbs. Don't be afraid, because you'll burn it all."
- Sleep: Getting good sleep the night before, despite the anxiety, is crucial.
- Don't try anything new: Bring your own supplements and only use what has already been tested to avoid unpleasant surprises during the race.
The Ideal Marathon Outfit
André Stadler, with his good humor, offered practical advice on apparel for the 42k:
- Pre-test: The chosen outfit should be the same one used on a long run, ensuring comfort and functionality, such as pockets for gels.
- Compression shorts: Ideal for carrying supplies and preventing chafing.
- "All black" strategy: If in doubt, go for an all-black look. Besides being timeless, it helps disguise sweat and maintain a good appearance in photos, even after many kilometers. He planned to wear purple shoes for a splash of color.
With these nutrition and fashion tips, Bárbara and André are ready for the Rio Marathon experience. May the journey be light, enjoyable, and above all, may the finish line be reached with a smile, celebrating every kilometer of triumph. We wish an excellent race to all marathoners!
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