Few things in this world compare to the total exhilaration of June marathons. Marathons got their name from the legendary run of Pheidippides (Greek soldier) who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens (approximately 26.2 miles). The race has become a test of physical strength and mental stick-to-it-iveness by every reckoning. From the Utah Valley Marathon to the Boston Marathon, this foot race makes a lot of people motivated to charge up their physique and get motoring.
The Roman poet Ovid once stated, "Before you run in double harness, look well to the other horse." Well, that's the great thing about marathons, and June marathons more specifically. When you participate in a marathon, the only "horse" you need to look to is yourself. It is a race that only you are able to run for yourself. You will run as wonderfully and as strongly as you worked hard to achieve. No more. Not a bit less. Every marathon is a personal record.
When you are actually in the marathon race, staying strong and courageous and speed play against each other in a delicate symphony. You have to get to the end as fast as possible; however, you must also keep your strength for the entire 26.2 miles so that you do not "hit a wall" as runners can do if they aren't careful. Don't trick yourself into thinking this is a cakewalk.
The water stations and refreshment tables along the way are a welcome distraction. They are there to help the runners "juice up" and have people spur them on along the way, but they are also there to assist the runner take notice where they are in the race and how much further they have to go. They help with pacing.
Preparing for marathons is more than making a commitment and doing the "Buns of Steel" workout video. It requires (at the very least) four months of running four times a week. Many runners also increase their carbohydrate intake while holding their total caloric intake at the same level. This helps the runner's body store more glycogen – great for the big day.
A couple of other tips you must remember when it comes to running June marathons: First, toenails are overrated. Don't worry if they are rubbed off entirely during the race. The smart runner trims his or her toenails down before the race and gets a comfortable pair of shoes that reduce the strain on the toenails themselves. But don't get too attached to your toenails before the race. Chances are they will be gone by the end. Also, you may consider putting band-aids on your nipples. The chaffing of the shirt can cause your nipples to bleed after the hours of running.
The Roman poet Ovid once stated, "Before you run in double harness, look well to the other horse." Well, that's the great thing about marathons, and June marathons more specifically. When you participate in a marathon, the only "horse" you need to look to is yourself. It is a race that only you are able to run for yourself. You will run as wonderfully and as strongly as you worked hard to achieve. No more. Not a bit less. Every marathon is a personal record.
When you are actually in the marathon race, staying strong and courageous and speed play against each other in a delicate symphony. You have to get to the end as fast as possible; however, you must also keep your strength for the entire 26.2 miles so that you do not "hit a wall" as runners can do if they aren't careful. Don't trick yourself into thinking this is a cakewalk.
The water stations and refreshment tables along the way are a welcome distraction. They are there to help the runners "juice up" and have people spur them on along the way, but they are also there to assist the runner take notice where they are in the race and how much further they have to go. They help with pacing.
Preparing for marathons is more than making a commitment and doing the "Buns of Steel" workout video. It requires (at the very least) four months of running four times a week. Many runners also increase their carbohydrate intake while holding their total caloric intake at the same level. This helps the runner's body store more glycogen – great for the big day.
A couple of other tips you must remember when it comes to running June marathons: First, toenails are overrated. Don't worry if they are rubbed off entirely during the race. The smart runner trims his or her toenails down before the race and gets a comfortable pair of shoes that reduce the strain on the toenails themselves. But don't get too attached to your toenails before the race. Chances are they will be gone by the end. Also, you may consider putting band-aids on your nipples. The chaffing of the shirt can cause your nipples to bleed after the hours of running.
