How Should A Runner Train For A Marathon

This paper explains the proper way a runner should train for a marathon. Proper training includes nutrition, long runs, cross-training, and rest.

How Should A Runner Train For A Marathon?

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question, “How Should a Runner Train for a Marathon?” Much research has been done to show that there are four factors that individuals should take into consideration when training for a marathon (Hanc, 1996). Training is defined as making or becoming prepared for a test or skill (“Guiding Principles,” 1947). John Hanc (1996), author of The Essential Marathoner, explains that the four factors necessary for good marathon training are long runs, proper nutrition, rest and cross training. It is also important to remember to have fun when you are training for a marathon because it will help keep motivation high (“Marathon Training,” 2003). If an individual does not train properly for a marathon they are putting themselves at risk for injury (“Theories of Training,” 2003).

It has long been said that in 490 B.C. Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran twenty-four miles from Marathon to Athens to tell all about the Athenian victory over

Joe Henderson (1978), editor of The Complete Marathoner, talks about how distance is your most precious commodity; hence, showing the essentialness of a marathon trainer’s long runs. He also believes in the importance of them so much that he says to forget about pace totally until you have pushed up your distance to that of a full marathon (Henderson, 1978). A long run is usually classified as a run that is over 90 minutes (Sandrock, 2000).

While the obvious necessity of the long run is present, Dr. George Sheehan (1974), the author of the article “Training Too Much” in the book The Complete Runner, emphasizes how many ailments encountered by runners are a result of working to hard. Sheehan (1974) claims that a race can be lost as easily by overtraining as by not training enough. According to Sheehan (1974), the symptoms of lack of enthusiasm, a decrease in interest, tiredness and irritability must be caught in the early stages to avoid serious injury or a “staleness” that will lead to poor performance. Another way to decrease the chance of a serious injury, which will also aid your performance according to the editors of Consumer Guide Magazine (1979) in the article titled “The Preparation Plan,” is to include warm-ups and cool-downs.

Protein is not a major source of fuel for runners but it is necessary to keep the body healthy (Fordyce, 2002). Protein helps with the formation of tissues, muscles, blood cells, hormones and many other important elements (Fordyce, 2002). Protein also helps to strengthen muscles as well as protect parts of the body (Fordyce, 2002). Good sources of protein are found in animal meats, eggs, milk products and fish as well as soy products, nuts, legumes and other vegetables (Fordyce, 2002).

Some topics in this essay:
Campbell Reece, Runner’s Handbook, Book Running, Van Handle, Author Mayhew, Running Women, Run Fast, Sparks Kuehls, Can’t Run”, Complete Marathoner, fordyce 2002, foster 1979, campbell reece 2002, reece 2002, hanc 1996, campbell reece, higdon 1992, author article, bridge 1978, sheehan 1974, carbohydrate loading, marathon hanc 1996, sparks kuehls 1996, energy campbell reece, dr george sheehan,