Running a marathon, or watching back-to-back episodes of a show, has become a popular way to enjoy television. In fact, some shows now launch entire seasons at the same time to make marathons even easier. To get started, you just need a video streaming service or a DVD collection, plus some snacks and a comfortable spot to watch TV!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare
Step 1. Clear your schedule
If you plan to do a marathon from a TV show, you need to make sure you don't have any other pressing priorities for the rest of the day. You might think you'll still get to dinner with your friends at 8, but by the time you've seen 5 episodes of “Game of Thrones” and it's time to get ready, you'll wish you had canceled.
The amount of time you will need depends on how long the TV show is. You can finish some single season shows in just a couple of hours, but longer shows may take you multiple marathon sessions over several weeks
Step 2. Find a comfortable place
You'll be in one place for a bit, so choose one that allows you to change position to stay comfortable. Try running marathons in an easy chair or recliner. If possible, use a television instead of a computer or mobile device to reduce eye strain.
As tempting as it may be to run an all-season “Orange is the New Black” marathon while sitting in bed, watching TV in bed can lead to insomnia. The blue light from screens mimics sunlight, tricking the brain into feeling more awake
Step 3. Stock up on snacks
You will need to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the marathon session, so make sure the fridge is stocked with some of your favorites. To avoid packing on extra calories, keep healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and low-fat popcorn on hand.
Separate fewer unhealthy snacks like French fries into plastic bags ahead of time so you don't eat too much at one time
Step 4. Use a marathon session as an opportunity to drink more water
Fill a large thermos with ice water and keep it handy, then refill it when you take breaks. Add a couple of lemon wedges or a few wild fruits to give the water a natural flavor.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the TV Show
Step 1. Sign up for a free trial of a video streaming service if you don't have one
Services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go often offer a 30-day free trial to let you try before you sign up. This can be a good way to run marathons from a TV show without paying for the service.
You usually have to provide a credit card number to get a free trial. Just make sure to cancel before the trial is over to avoid having charges on your card
Step 2. Check with a friend who has an account if you don't have one
If you don't want to sign up for a free trial, ask a friend with a video streaming service to run marathons with you. Anyway, it's usually more fun to watch a TV show with someone else.
Make sure your friend hasn't seen the TV show so they don't ruin it for you, unless they can watch it again without revealing the plot. It's also fun to have a group marathon to make sure you don't fall asleep or miss a thing
Step 3. Check local cable listings for TV show marathons
Cable channels will often air multiple episodes of a show, especially just before a new season of the show airs. If you have a digital video recorder (DVR), set it to record so that you can watch the show at your leisure. Otherwise, just plan on doing a marathon when they broadcast it!
Step 4. Buy a TV show on DVD or buy a digital copy
If you buy a TV show, you can watch it as many times as you want! You can buy either the DVD or Blu-ray version, or you can buy it digitally through a service like iTunes.
Step 5. Choose the TV show you are going to watch
If you are going to do a marathon from a DVD show, the choice is easy. However, if you're using a video streaming service, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Ask your friends for recommendations, check online marathon guides, or ask your social media contacts what they're watching.
Part 3 of 3: Staying Comfortable
Step 1. Make a food delivery order so you don't have to cook
Part of the appeal of running marathons is that it can give you a chance to completely relax; a luxury that many cannot often enjoy. Make the most of it by ordering food at home during your marathon session.
- If you've been eating healthy snacks, you can splurge on Chinese takeout or pizza. Other foods include ramen noodles, pizza rolls, and maybe some sushi.
- Check to see if there is a food delivery service like Waitr or Uber Eats in your area so you can have a dish from your favorite local restaurant right on your doorstep!
Step 2. Find ways to stay active while watching a show
Running marathons can slow your metabolism, which can result in a myriad of health problems. Fight it by staying active while watching the TV show. Stand up and stretch between episodes, pause after a good scene, or do household chores like folding clothes or washing dishes.
Even a 1-minute workout can help you combat some of the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Jog in place, do a quick series of jumping jacks, or do as many push-ups as you can in 1 minute between episodes
Step 3. Turn off the screen 30 minutes before going to sleep
If you want to make sure you get a good night's sleep, you have to give your brain time to relax. Give yourself at least half an hour after a marathon before trying to go to sleep.