Marathon RunningWithin the running community there is nothing that gets our tongues wagging more. So what is it about the marathon that makes it that attractive? The training, the distance, the history? Probably a little bit of everything. So let's find out a bit more about marathon running and how you can best prepare for it. History of the MarathonAlthough probably not necessary for your marathon, it is good to get a bit of history to fully understand the event. The name of the marathon dates back to a battle in 490 B.C. between the Athenians and the Persians close to Athens. In a region known as ‘Marathon’ the Athenians sent a courier to ask for help from Sparta. The courier managed to cover the distance in less than two days. Many people think that the distance of the marathon originated from those times as well, but that is actually not true. Click on the link to find out more about the truth of the history of the marathon. Marathon TrainingRunning a marathon is a true commitment. The distance of 26.2 miles is in essence too much to be healthy for you. In order to make a fair chance to finish the event successfully you need to put in serious training. Many, many long runs, amongst which a number of 20-milers. Marathon training is not something you do a little or with your heart only half in it. To give yourself the best chance to succeed you need some marathon training tips and a sound marathon running program. When you do that much running, you need to consider your energy needs. That's why I also advise you to check out some marathon training nutrition tips. Marathon BooksWhen it comes to marathon training programs, the best one out there at the moment is 100 Day Marathon Plan by Marius Bakken. Marius is a 2-time Olympian. He has coached many people towards personal marathon records using training techniques he has learnt from working with Italian and Kenyan world-class runners.The great thing is that what works for elite runners also works for us mere mortals. Using 5k and 10k training to start off with and then working towards marathon training work he prepares his runners optimally for a marathon. And all within 100 days!. Click here for more information about The 100 Day Marathon Plan. Before Marius came along, one of the best and most complete marathon books was Advanced Marathoning by Olympian and well-known running coach Peter Pfitzinger. It contains lots of useful info and, if you want to race a marathon, not just run it it's definitely a book to consider. A fun book to read is Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. Murakami is a novelist and a runner who has already run over 20 marathons in his life. He is not necessarily a fast runner and this is not a running training book. But Murakami talks in this book about his life, and his life as a runner. He describes some of his running races, amongst which a a story about a gruelling ultra-marathon of 100kms. Here is a quick snap of his solo-run from Athens to Marathon: "... A little further on I run across a cat that's been flattened by a car. The cat is totally flat, like some misshapen pizza, and dried up. It must have been run over quite a while ago. That's the kind of road I am talking about. At this point I really start to wonder why, having flown all the way from Tokyo to this beautiful country, I have to run down this dreary commuter road. There must have been other things I could be doing. The body count for all these poor animals who lost their lives on Marathon Avenue is, on this day, three dogs and eleven cats. I count them all, which is kind of depressing. I run on and on. The sun reveals all of itself, and with unbelievable speed rises in the sky. I'm dying of thirst. I don't have time to get sweaty, since the air is so dry that perspiration immediately evaporates, leaving behind a layer of white salt... " I recommend the book to anyone who likes running and reading! Popular MarathonsThe bigger marathons in the US are those of Boston, New York and Chicago. You may decide, like many runners do, that if you are to do a marathon, it needs to be one of these big three. And it is true, such big events have got some advantages. The crowds who help you through the tough last miles, the general organization, side-events etc. It may however also be worthwhile to consider a smaller-sized local marathon. If you can find a small- or medium-sized marathon with a good reputation regarding runner care / runner facilities you are onto something. Running with a smaller group of runners is so much more pleasant than running in big groups. When there are thousands and thousands of participants you often have to walk the first kilometer or kilometers and always have to keep an eye out for runners in front of you, next to you and behind you. That's why I prefer the smaller races. They are much more peaceful and often take you through the countryside. Still, like many, I get drawn to the bigger events as well. Make sure to check out the page with marathon training tips. Wish to get more running tips? Subscribe to the Best Running Tips Newsletter or to my site blog. Go from Marathon Running Page to Best Running Tips Homepage Marathon Running 100 Day Marathon Plan | Marathon Training Tips | Marathon Training Nutrition | History of the Marathon | Boston Marathon | Chicago Marathon | New York Marathon |
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