Global Sports: Marathon Training Programs

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Marathon Training Programs

By Matt Peoples


Completing a marathon is a very attainable goal for even the most amateur and sedentary runner. By carefully selecting from a training program that takes health and time into consideration almost anyone can train their body to run a marathon safely. Below I have included a few tips and bits of information to consider when reviewing possible training program.

The days of simply running your legs off are long gone. Marathon running is a sport of science and properly training requires specific techniques to prepare the body to run such long distances. So, in a word, train smarter no harder.

Unfortunately many athletes have learned this is the fastest way to obtain an injury. Today's marathoner knows that running smart and following a well designed marathon training schedule is the quickest way to complete their desired goal.

You can't simply depend on will power alone. Following a good training schedule will not only train your body to undergo the rigors of running 26 miles but there are significant health benefits as well. The benefits of running a marathon are substantial. By undergoing a program where you run high miles at a slow pace you train your body to operate using fat as fuel. So not only to you burn enormous amounts of calories but you can literally rewire your metabolism to power the body efficiently on fat.

Next is determine how much time you have until the race. When choosing from a myriad of schedules you will need to know how many weeks you can train for. Many schedules have ten to thirty weeks of running, then a sharpening phase with speed work, then a week to two of tapering. So you must know the length of time your training schedule will run.

Ascertaining your starting point is crucial. You will certainly wind up hurt if you try to jump into a schedule on mile 15 or so if you can't comfortably complete 14 miles. These programs progress systematically through specially designed runs that stress your body incrementally so find your specific starting point.

There are thousands of poorly designed training schedules on the internet. Selecting one that is designed by someone who knows, and better yes some who has completed marathons in the past. Hiring a coach who can guide your through the process can be even better and often time they are very worth the expense.

Make sure you have checked with your Doctor as well. Running is a safe and healthy hobby but it can be very stressful on your heart and muscles so have a family physician check you over to make sure you're good and tuned up to run.

We hope these tips will help you find a good marathon training schedule to work from. Below are a couple of additional resources and website links where you can find more information on running and marathon training.




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