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    Marathon Training for Beginners

    Marathon Training Guide for Beginners

    Posted on 11/25/2007

    Surviving marathon races involves proper training and adequate preparation. Without adequate mental, emotional and physical preparation, the miles and miles of road that should be conquered can take a devastating toll. Experts are advising neophytes to at least acquire one year’s running experience, to seek the counsel of professional trainers and athletic medical experts, to try long slow distance running weekly and to acquire the correct running gear.

    Marathon running isn’t for the weak hearted; it isn’t for the weak kneed either.

    Not all runners survive marathon races. New runners in particular should not plunge headlong into these long races without proper training and enough preparation. It would be wrong to assume that everyone who enlists in these races finish and that injuries do not occur at the time, because both accounts are false.

    Short distance races may not be as “glamorous” sounding, but help greatly with building up your endurance. Without adequate mental, emotional and physical preparation, the miles and miles of road that should be conquered can take a devastating toll on you, making you feel that you need to quit before ever seeing the finish line. If you are not seriously considering the possible hardships of a marathon, it would be best not to try – or at least, pace yourself in such a way that you increase your running mileage gradually.

    Marathon running, like most sports, is an all or nothing deal. There are many reasons (mostly for personal or professional achievement) as to why athletes run these races. However, the ultimate goal is to finish, or to “survive” the marathon experience.

    Marathon runners do not really count the number of times they place in these races; rather, they count the number of times they finish. Finishing first is a grand goal, as with placing in the top three – but for those who run, it’s the thrill of ending the race at a speed faster than their own personal running records.

    Many experts are advising neophytes to at least acquire one year’s experience before attempting to enlist. It takes months and months of dedicated training to prepare the mind for the grueling task ahead. This is also the time to learn about how to prevent injuries. And if you can, have a professional trainer and athletic medical expert during training periods to help eliminate or minimize possible incidence of crippling harm. Torn muscles take a long time to heal and as an athlete, you need to be at the peak of health always.

    Almost all marathon training programs have one thing in common: miles and miles of pavement to pound. Experts are saying that sensible pacing is the key, and not finishing as fast as possible. Long slow distance running for about 20 to 26 miles a week is considered judicious; but of course, miles assigned per athlete varies, so it would be best to know your personal limits. This gives the body time to adapt to the punishing routine - particularly the muscles of the respiratory system. Pushing yourself too fast, too soon, too much will only lead to muscle damage.

    Acquiring the correct running gear is also important. Streamlined apparel, comfortable running shoes and whatnots promote speed, and help the body settle into a comfortable rhythm while in the marathon. Anything that can deter you from that so-called “comfortable” pace will eventually become abrasive and may destroy your concentration. Both factors will affect your performance greatly. You should know that not all running gears are beneficial or even remotely helpful to your functioning. Again, you as the athlete should streamline apparels and gears to your use, and never the other way around.

    Running Marathon Tips and Technique >>

     

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