Posted on 23 November 2010
The Marathon traces its beginnings from a legend from Greece where supposedly, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran two hundred forty kilometers to bring news about the Battle of Marathon according to Herodotus. Nonetheless, modern marathon which became an Olympic event in 1986 covers an official distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. Today, fitness enthusiasts and athletes join best marathons in the world as they are challenged to maintain or update their personal record. In fact, there are no less than 500 marathons held in different countries worldwide. However, only a few running events can be considered as best marathons since the event usually requires qualifying time for participants. For example, some of the best marathons like the Boston marathon requires a male forty year old and above to finish the course in less than 3 hours and 20 minutes. The qualifying time depends in the age group and gender which can be very discriminating for the common folks.The Best marathons typically include the Five Marathon majors: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York City.
The Flora London Marathon is known as one of the best marathons since it challenges professional runners in which thousands of people cheer the athletes which can be awesome for a beginner. The track passes through historic places with various twists and turns that makes the run exciting. However, the cobblestone footpaths near the Tower of London should be noted by runners.
The Berlin Marathon is also regarded as one of the Best Marathons since aside from a record breaking course, one gets to run through historic places as well as modern hi-tech shops that showcase the old and new Berlin. Aside from the great sights, the event is efficiently organized. The course is rather flat , wide and straight so no uphill battles like London marathon.
The Boston Marathon is respected as the oldest marathon event in the world. However, as aforementioned, the strict qualifying time disqualifies a lot of recreational runners from joining it. To become a participant would mean belonging to an elite group of runners who have concentrated all their focus for this event. Surely, the crowds cheer makes you feel like it’s an Olympic event.
Indeed, running in one of the best marathons of the world is a dream come true.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
Many individuals all over the world would want to participate in a marathon once in their lifetime. A marathon is a challenging event especially for newbies who would run a marathon for the first time. But like any competition, preparation is essential to be able to endure the physical and mental challenge that comes along with it. For one, marathon is all about endurance that test one’s skills as well as stamina. Second, a sport also requires mental toughness since there is a need to focus on the goal to be able to endure the race. It is then important to be ready for the training and the following advice on how to prepare for a beginner marathon training can be useful for all newbies. Preparation begins at least a week before the event so better remember the following tips.
Use mental imagery. In sports, visualization is a key to winning. You can visualize and imagine the last few leg of the race. However,practicing this technique as well constant actual practice would yield better results. As soon as you get the hang of this, then you would be able to sustain yourself with endurance throughout the training. Training can be challenging.
Eat a balanced diet. Professional runners advice newbies to stay away from any food that might upset stomach such as strong or spicy foods. Complex carbohydrates like rice and pasta are good choices since these type of foods provide you with energy for the long practice.
Take some rest. This is the most practical advice since it helps to relax before the event so your body can really ease up before the race. Take it easy and watch a movie but get enough sleep so you have energy the following day. Remember, working your muscles very hard days before the event is against peak performance.
Physical/material preparations. It may sound simple but stretching a lot as well as cutting toe nails just short enough can help in some ways. Buy socks that are comfortable and don’t use new shoes at all for a major race.
A beginner marathon training can be difficult at first but following the tips provided can make your life a little bit easier.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
A lot of fitness enthusiasts would love to participate in running half marathon. Normally, among those who want to join running half marathons are beginners since they are just adjusting to the rigors of the sports. Thus, it is very crucial for beginners running half marathon to plan weeks ahead before the event. According to runnersworld, a beginner is someone who has been running for at least a year. Additionally, beginners can run without any problems for 5 miles or less and have accomplished a 10k according to runnersworld. Thus, when you join running half marathon it is a long shot goal since adequate preparations must be made way ahead. Nevertheless, there is a smart approach in increasing one’s stamina so a beginner can tackle running half marathon. Read the following advice to help you prepare for a half marathon:
Incrementally increase your mileage and long run. A nine-week training program is the first step in successfully finishing a half-marathon.This is very essential since increasing your weekly mileage can help build endurance. Remember that you should have the stamina to run for two hours. Another thing is that you must increase the pace of your run since running half marathon is a timed event. Besides, you have to manage well the last part of the race so incremental increase in training can be done by building extra speed and stamina. Some professional runners also advice to integrate uphill running once a week to increase your resistance. After two months practice, a beginner at last hit the double digit run – 10 miles.
You have to also consider other factors on the day itself in running a half marathon. On the event itself, it is better to start at the back of the group. Don’t run fast immediately or else you get exhausted easily. Keep a steady but fast pace and rest in between stops by drinking fluids and stretching for 30 seconds. You must be able to keep up well for the last three miles which can be punishing after almost two hours. Indeed, running half marathon is a possible feat even for beginners as long as they prepare well.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
Yearly,there are around 500 marathon events held worldwide. Aside from the Olympics, serious runners usually participate in the world’s ultra 5 marathon held in London, Berlin, Boston and other key cities in the world. Aside from having the chance to improve one’s personal record, joining such marathons can take you to historic sites that are completely awesome. On the other hand,there is another class of marathon created for the elite soldiers – marine marathon. First of all, this is an interesting marathon since members of the U.S. marine corps are the ones involved in this race. Without a doubt, majority of the participants here are exceptionally healthy since they are not just fitness buffs, they are the Marines corps.
The Marine marathon known as the Marine Corps marathon is the 4th largest US Marathon which never fails to draw large crowds. A unique characteristic of the marine marathon is that there is no prize money at all. For this reason, it is called “The People’s Marathon”. The event originated from a concept of a Colonel named Jim Fowler according to history courtesy of marinemarathon website. The Vietnam War left a negative impression on the military, also, distance running was a popular sport way back then. Col Fowler had a great idea that he shared to his superiors – the marine marathon which has four great motives: promote goodwill to the community, present the Marine Corps, a tool for recruitment and give the chance to Marines to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon strict requirements since you must meet a certain personal record before you can join.
The rest is history as ever since all the marines started joining which even prompted the navy secretary Middendorf to donate a handsome trophy. It was really meant to be as the ad agency J Walter Thompson took charge of the advertisement along with the support of Runner’s magazine. Even an Olympic Team member of the corps, Sgt.Alex Breckinridge contributed by promoting the event and attending the planning sessions. Indeed, one man’s great idea became the well known marine marathon held yearly. Each marine that crosses the finish line of the marine marathon can’t ask for anything more.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
A great majority of serious runners constantly practice for a 20 mile route marathon since this event can differentiate between amateurs and professionals. For one, runners can create a new personal record assuming this is one of the many 20 mile route marathon they have joined. However, for newbies, this can seem difficult since the race is not just a test of speed but also a test of stamina. However, it’s true that practice makes perfect so take heed of the following tips that can help you finish the long 20 mile marathon.
Get to know the race course. It would be of great help if you can run on the 20 mile route marathon track so you can feel the terrain.If the competition is held near you, then you are fortunate being familiar with the environment that can help you create a strategy. Even so,this doesn’t translate to doing the whole course of the 20 mile route marathon. Instead, all you have to practice on is the last half of the track in order not to exhaust yourselves. Also, your point in practicing this route is to be familiar with elevations that can be challenging such as an uphill climb or sudden turn on a road. In instances where the 20 mile route marathon is far away, then source maps that can provide you information about the terrain.
Google Map is even used by well known marathon events to update the participants. But even if the situation does not permit such, then just practice on the treadmill or any simulation that resembles the actual 20 mile route marathon.
Eat a balanced diet. Getting ready for a 20 mile route marathon can be strenuous so make sure you eat carbohydrate rich food weeks before the race. Complex carbohydrates like pasta can provide energy to the body which can support you to the last part of the race when you are very exhausted. Hydrate by drinking water or sports drinks since lost fluids can lead to dehydration. Nevertheless, anything excessive is bad.
Preparation for a 20 mile route marathon is not rocket science. Just practice and eat sensibly to overcome the challenge.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
After running for a couple of years, you have finally decided to join a long marathon that would test your strength and endurance. Now, you want to make a personal record which will be your measure for succeeding long marathon events that you would join. Technically, a long marathon covers a distance of 10 miles or more. Normally, the run would last no less than 90 minutes so your endurance would be tested. The long marathon is just an element of the training for the full marathon which covers 26.2 miles. It’s beyond physical strength but more of mental challenge since you need to push yourself a lot in a long marathon. Aside from mental and physical preparation, an important component of preparation for a long marathon is proper nutrition.
A long marathon involves sensible food choices since the body must be able to last the run by efficiently harnesing all the energy kept in the body. The body normally holds energy in the form of fat so once the body needs more power, glycogen is released to fuel the muscles. By training the body in a long marathon, the muscles are getting adapted to storing more glycogen. Thereby, it is crucial to learn how to properly nourish the body in a long run so you can endure the race.
A healthy diet for a long marathon consists of food rich in carbohydrates. This can include pasta or rice depending upon your preference. At least two days before a long marathon, do not eat fatty foods. Also,stay away from strong or spicy foods that can make your stomach very upset during the long marathon thus affecting your performance. However, do not eat a lot especially the night before the run. Also, refrain from alcoholic beverages since they dehydrate the body which is bad for you.
Another way of lasting a long marathon is by eating a light snack in between stations. It would be of great value to take sports drinks or beverages that can replace electrolyte loss to prevent dehydration. If you are training for a long marathon, consume carbo immediately after the exercise to regain muscle power.
Accomplishing a long marathon is feasible as long as you eat well.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
Athletes who have been running for almost two years and have joined a half-marathon can most likely be running a marathon. At such rate, their bodies as well as system is used to a rigorous marathon training that can go on for months. In most cases, these individuals have made a training program that increased their stamina, endurance and speed during the training. Lastly, their bodies clearly manifest all the effort they have poured in into the sports. Now, it’s the best chance for running a marathon that spans 26.2 miles which can be considered a mean feat.
Running a marathon efficiently involves a lot of hard work since it takes not only endurance but also some speed to improve one’s personal record or at least get ahead. You may not be able to make it on top for the first time but your goal can be simply running the marathon successfully by completing the race. In that case, the following tips can guide you finish running a marathon and enjoy it as well:
Practice is essential. An ideal strategy to endure running a marathon is to run on the race course itself if you can. It would even be better if you can run at least 10 miles twice on practice .Having a feel of that actual race course can help you adjust to the terrain and environment.You also have to be aware of the weather during the time of your run. Hot or cold temperature can surely affect your body.
Take a rest a day before the event. Avoid any tiring activity a day before the run so body can relax and recover after weeks of practice. It is okay to stretch legs by walking but not for more than two hours. This is also a great time to ready all the materials you need like clothes, socks, drinks etc. Watch television or hang out with friends but don’t sleep late to be able to conserve energy in running a marathon the following day.
Eat carbo food like pasta. Carbohydrates like pasta is the best choice for dinner since it provides energy. Just eat right and replenish lost fluids. Don’t eat late at night and drink an electrolyte rich drink before going to bed.
Running a marathon is not easy but following the guidelines given could make you endure the whole race efficiently.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
A large number of fitness enthusiasts around the world are women. There are different reasons behind this fact. First, women have realized the value of their health nowadays which is why they are striving towards wellness. Second, being active like joining a women’s marathon can help them shed pounds while training. Thus, women get several advantages from sports activities so they join different programs. A well-known fitness activity for women nowadays are women’s marathon because usually there is a charitable cause behind it. The origin of women’s marathon can be traced back to 1984 Summer Olympics where it was first launched. An American woman named Joan Benoit was the winner of that sports event. Nowadays, many participate in women’s marathon for several reasons but they have one thing in common: they all derive health benefits from running.
At the moment,there are numerous women’s marathon held in different places of the world. A unique feature of women’s marathon is that they are usually half marathon so that covers only 10 miles. However,the half women’s marathon should be completed in 4 hours or less while fun run for 5k must be done in an hour. In the United States, there are different charity women’s marathon held in Arizona, Tennessee, and Florida. The recipient of the women’s marathon is normally a breast cancer foundation which needs extra funds.
Yearly, the Flora women’s marathon held in Dublin, Ireland is a well-known international event that provides assistance to different charities. Even well known people attende the event to show support for these active women running for the 10k. At this time, 750,000 women have participated in the Flora women’s marathon that draws crowds. It is annuallly held every June 7 which is actually a bank holiday in Ireland.
Similarly, Nike is holding its annual women’s marathon in San Francisco that gives it proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. No less than 20,000 women are expected to participate in the big event. Joining a women’s marathon is a great time for women to bond with their friends since they can join as a team. This makes the run more pleasurable as girlfriends encourage one another along the race.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
Yearly, millions of fitness enthusiasts join marathon events all over the world. Some join for charitable causes or cancer advocacy while the rest simply want to test their skills and endurance in such events. It takes a lot of mental and physical preparation to be able to run in a marathon especially if it’s the complete 26 miles. Yet,for runners who are well-prepared through diligent training and discipline, joinin a full marathon is not that hard at all. Nevertheless, preparation aside from training is the key to not just enduring the race but winning as well. The following marathon training tips can enhance your performance:
Drink lots of fluid. The worst thing that you must avoid is get dehydrated. During the training, replenishing the fluid loss is crucial since you can get muscle cramps and feel weak. However, hydration is also essential even if you are not practicing. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is a very sound advice to all runners.
Check your shoes. This simply means checking your existing pair if it can still be good for a long run. Every individual’s foot is unique so make sure the shoes would last long and fit you well. Plus, try wearing shoes you often use for practice in a long run before using it for a real competition.
Load up on pasta. Pasta is complex carbohydrates that can supply steady energy which is why this is one of the best marathon training tips. Pasta needs some time to be digested by the body but provides steady supply of energy. Simple sugars like candies, cakes and other sweets are only good for quick recovery but inadequate for racing. Also, avoid foods that are strong or spicy your stomach won’t get upset while running. However, eating should be done in moderation too since eating too much can make you feel heavy.
Perform mental imagery. This is another marathon training tips that would surely give you the edge. The power of visualization can make you mentally ready for the event since you need to motivate yourself until the end of the race.
The marathon training tips can greatly help you finish the course with less difficulty.
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Posted on 23 November 2010
Every year,millions of individuals participate in no less than 500 marathon events all around the world. In most cases, the participants are atheletes who want to improve their personal record and be famous. However, there are also marathons whose main goal is to raise funds for a certain cause. Such marathon events are known as charity marathon. One of the most internationally recognized charity marathons is the London Marathon which started since 1981. For 2011, its next official charity is Oxfam. Nevertheless, it is also a greulling marathon event that covers 26 miles and 385 yards.
Likewise, one can also join charity marathons dedicated for a certain cause. Whether the focus is directed towards raising awareness for animal cruelty or a certain disease, the following advise can help you raise funds for a charity marathon:
Search for a training program in your locality. There are several large health organizations that often hold annual charity marathons which you can join. After selecting one, join the training session as soon as possible. Try to familiarize yourself with the fundraising as well as the training sessions. Never miss the training sessions.
Send fundraising letters to all people that you know. There is an excellent reason behind enlisting in a charity marathon so make sure you tell all your friends, relatives, workmates, loved ones and even neighbors. You never know who would be sympathizing with your cause after all.Tap the internet and blog about your event. Illustrate the story behind the charity marathons you join.
Get the right equipment. It is very important that you have the right footwear for your training. Get help from shoe stores in determining the right running shoes for you. The shoes must be sturdy for a long run yet comfortable since a long run is punishing to the feet. Look also for the right socks as well as clothing that can absorb sweat fast.
Account all the funds. Be thankful to people that send you funds and update them so you earn their trust.
The next time, raising money for whatever charity marathons that you join would be easier once people know you are serious.
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