A Guide to Running a Marathon - Marathon Training

The marathon is often described as the most demanding race on the planet. The total distance runners need to complete is a little over 26 miles, which can take place over a variety of terrains. From the Olympics to the New York Marathon, there are numerous races every year in which thousands of runners participate. For many, simply completing the course is satisfaction enough.

Whether you're looking to run competitively or simply test yourself, running a marathon requires dedicated preparation. Even conditioned athletes may have a difficult time enduring the physical toll that such a distance can cause. Purchasing a marathon training manual may help provide the blueprint needed to get into the right physical shape.

Most people can't simply get up and run the entire 26 miles. Most training regimens have runners work progressively toward their goal. Starting at a realistic distance (which is set by the individual), runners often spend weeks and months building the physical endurance needed to complete the course. Additionally, understanding what and how much to eat and drink could have a direct impact on an individual's performance.

Runners often describe hitting a "wall" around the twentieth mile of the race. Physically, this seems to be due to the lack of glycogen (or carbs) in the body. Only so much can be stored at one time and fatigue may set in once the body has consumed it all. Water is also another item that needs to be properly gauged. Lack of water may lead to dehydration, while too much could lead to a decrease in sodium, causing cramps and vomiting. No matter a runner's experience, preparation seems to be an important part of the equation in marathon training.