Preparation for a marathon goes far beyond simply training. There are a variety of different key factors that play into the success of a marathon runner. First and foremost, although generally overlooked, mental preparation is vital. Nothing will test you more mentally than a marathon. It is essential that the runner understands what they are trying to accomplish and the amount of work it will take them to get to that point. Training will take months so if you are not ready to embark on the journey mentally, then there is no need to even lace up the running shoes. This isn’t meant to be scary, more just as a fair warning to the fact that a marathon is not going to be a cakewalk. NUTRITION!! That's right, find your favorite water bottle and snag the pasta off the shelf of the pantry and become your own personal chef. Your body is much like a car, in order to function properly it must be fueled correctly. You wouldn’t pour a monster energy drink in the gas tank of your car similarly as to how you should not be putting that in your stomach. Whole, natural, nutritious foods are definitely advised as well. Pasta and foods of that nature provide your body will carbohydrates. This organic compound will later be broken down and converted into glycogen. Next, your body will store the glycogen to be used for endurance based workout in which it will be used to help muscles function at peak performance. Last but not least, water, water, water, water, water. Nothing is better for you than water and you will need a lot more than you think. The average sedentary person requires approximately half their weight in ounces of water per day. This means for a 128 lbs male, that person would require 64 ounces if he sat and played Fortnite or games all day. A long distance runner in the process of marathon training needs far more than this. Water will help prevent injuries by essentially lubricating the joints and ligaments that are under a lot of stress in the body while running. It will also help prevent dehydration. Finally, athletes need to weight train in addition to running. Most exercises should be implemented slowly into your running routine in order to prevent overtraining. Weight training will help a runner feel stronger physically (duhh right but in regards to running form) and also prevent injuries. The last thing any runner wants that has been training for months is to develop an injury that could have easily been prevented. A majority of weight training exercises do not even require any weight. In most cases, body weight is sufficient. This is true especially when training areas such as core, obliques, back, and calves. These three tidbits of advice will help you to be in top physical condition come race day and be fully prepared as you approach the starting line for your first marathon ever! Below is a picture of a quote that really puts in perspective the benefits of mental strength.
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March 2018
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