The Wonders (and Realities) of Marathon Running
Whether you’re a seasoned jogger looking forward to setting a new goal, or a novice runner who wants to challenge yourself, there are many reasons why you would like to train for a marathon.
Training and running for a face can offer a great number of benefits for your body and mind.
For me, getting a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon has been a long-time goal of mine, but for as long as I can remember. However, what initially got me interested in running was realizing that I needed to make my health more of a priority. What started as an obligatory exercise turned into a years-long passion, and now it’s something I deeply enjoy.
Having said that, there are also some things I wish I had known before I started. We’ll be going through both the pros and cons.
Health benefits of training for a marathon
The benefits of training for long-distance runners from half-marathons to marathons are many. Other less commonly publicized positive effects can include weight loss, improvement in mood, self-esteem, reduction in anxiety, and bonding with your training partners. As well, an active lifestyle that includes marathon training also tends to come with healthier eating habits.
The physical effects that running causes help stimulate endorphin release in your brain, creating a feeling of euphoria while also increasing the efficiency of your heart.
Not to mention, running is inexpensive, it only requires a pair of well-fitted shoes.
Downsides to training for a marathon
Training for long-distance events doesn’t come without its risks, so make sure you consult your doctor prior to beginning any intense training.
It’s important to slowly build your training over time, especially for beginners and first time marathoners. If you train too intensely or too quickly, you can significantly injure yourself and detail your training and prevent you from reaching your goals.
The most common injuries I’ve seen from overtraining are stress fractures, and overuse injuries of the bones of the legs and feet are brought on by pushing your body too hard.
Some other conditions that occur in overly intense training programs are muscle strains and chronic fatigue.
How far in advance should you start training for the race?
Depending on your base level of fitness, most runners require at least two months of diligent training to complete a half-marathon and three months to complete a full marathon. For novice/beginner runners, 4-6 months of preparation are often required for a marathon.
This timeframe will allow you to slowly build your endurance without overtaxing your body and putting yourself at risk of injury.
Running, whether you do it to prepare for a half or full marathon, 5K or just to improve your fitness is more than worth it. It’s inexpensive and can be done just about anywhere and the health and benefits of long-distance training dramatically outweigh the risks.
I’ve had countless friends over the years who labeled me crazy for my obsession with running until they take it up as they get older and realize how much they love it. Start slow, stay focused, and you’ll reap the benefits for a long time to come.
