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 the Persians (Lovett, 1997; Hook, 2002). Sandy Treadwell (1987), in her book The World of Marathons, states that Pheidippides is indeed considered the "father" of the marathon despite rumors that the story of his run is possibly fiction. The Greeks were known for using messengers to transport messages by foot as their primary means of communication ("Marathon History," 2002). In 1896, Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in Greece and he included the twenty-four mile run in the events to pay tribute to Pheidippides (Hanc, 1996). Greek athlete, Spiridon Loues, with a time of 2:58:50 was the winner of the race ("1896 Olympics: Athens," 2000; Gynn & Martin, 2000). Coming in second was Greek athlete Charilaos Vasilakos with a time of 3:06:03 ("1896 Olympics: Athens," 2000).
