Marathons

Researched by Krista G.
2000-01

Research Summary
 

A marathon is a 26.2-mile running race. Athletes train for about 6 months or more before racing. Runners need to eat and drink healthily so their body is ready to race. Stretches help the runner gain strength for running.

First Marathon
The first marathon took place in Athens, Greece, a long time ago. Only men were allowed to run and to attend. One of the reasons women could not attend was because the men wore nothing. (Not even shoes or sandals!)  The Prussians and the Greeks had a war in the city of Marathon 25 miles east of Athens. Ever since then, people from all different nations have carried on the tradition of victory, by running the marathon.

Schedule
When a runner begins training for the marathon the person will usually create a schedule of miles ran, and hours ran in a week. Or the trainer may plan in months, days, or weeks. A schedule helps the runner in setting goals and learning how to be prepared for the big race. 

Techniques
There are many different techniques to use while running the marathon. While running down hills a good technique to use is called gliding. When going up hill it helps to go a little below normal pace so the runner can make it up the hill with out hurting his/her body. On short runs a good technique is called speed work. That is when you run above your pace because of the short distance. The runner will work as much as on a long run because the pace is faster. On long runs it is the opposite. The trainer should run below his or her own pace, just as if going up a hill.

Nutrients
 When training for a marathon the most important thing is to watch your health. While training, the runner must watch what he or she eats and drinks. Eating healthy is one of the most important things in preparing for the marathon. The best things to eat are fruits and vegetables. Be sure to cut down on a lot of the meats that one might usually eat. Drinking healthy isn’t as hard as getting used to eating healthy; it is a lot easier! Stop drinking sweet drinks such as pop, and drink mainly water. Remember when training, eat a good diet and drink a lot of water.

Pace
 When the runner starts to train the first thing he or she has to find is his or her pace. To find the pace of your body you have to figure out which speed is most comfortable, and easiest to run. It’s different with different sized people. Some people go slowly and some go fast or some go medium speed.

Risks
The risks of running a marathon are injury and/ or working the body too much. One of the most common dangers and risk if you don’t eat or drink enough is called hitting the wall. It is when a runner falls to the ground and tries to continue but can’t. There are a lot more different kinds of risks in training and running a marathon.

Few Weeks before Marathon
 A smart thing to do before running the marathon is drive, bike, or run the track to see the challenges you might be facing. (Running isn’t the best choice because you could work your body too much.)  It can help build your confidence, and encourage you to be able to finish the marathon.

Before Marathon
 The night before the marathon the runner must get a lot of sleep to be prepared in the morning. Before running the marathon one of the most important things to do is to go to the bathroom, and stretch. Stretching helps loosen your muscles so the runner can run at his or her own pace longer than you would if you didn’t stretch.

While Running the Marathon
 While running the marathon the racer doesn’t want to eat a lot or drink too much. The main drinks that the runner should drink are some kind of sport drink, water, or a healthy drink that the runner drank while training. A good food choice is GU gel packs that you can suck up while running. Another good thing to snack on is kinds of salty things (that aren’t too big.) such as crackers, pretzels. Not many runners eat very much while running. Foods and drinks can help you gain strength while running the marathon.

Recovering
 After running the marathon your body will need a lot of rest. Which means a lot of sleep, or just laying down reading a book or watching TV. Your body will feel sore for a few days but if you rest the pain will soon disappear. After the pain has gone and the runner feels up to it, it may be nice to go out on a short walk.

Related Events
 There are many events that take place that are very similar to a marathon. Such as long bike rides, long swimming races, hiking, etc.. The one that is closest to the marathon is called a half marathon. A half marathon is a 13-mile race, which is half of the amount of miles in a whole marathon. It is about the best race to run before running the marathon so the trainer can halfway experience the whole marathon, and also get a feel, for his/her level of training

Fastest Racers
 A lot of people have had very low times in racing marathons but there are two people who have had the lowest score in the whole world. The lowest (best) score for a man to ever win a marathon was Ethiopian, Belayneth Densimo winning with a time of 2 hours and 6 minutes. He won the Rotterdam marathon on April 17, 1988. The score for the best lady was a bit different. Ingrid Kristiansan from Norway won the London marathon with the time of 2 hours 21 minutes and 6 seconds. It was an exciting day for her on April 2, 1977. Those are the lowest (fastest) scores for a man, and lady to finish a marathon.

Space Blankets
 Space blankets are given to a runner after a marathon to keep them from getting sick. It keeps the runner from catching a cold,
 
 
 
Who I Interviewed And What I Learned
On January 10, 2001 I interviewed Beth Sharp at our church.  Mrs. Sharp was a good choice for my interview because she has had a lot of experience with marathons in later years and more recent years. She gave me a lot of good information. Here are some of the most important things I learned. Beth ran 3 marathons in 1981, 1 in 1982, and 1 marathon in 1999.  The Dallas marathon, Houston marathon, Woodlands marathon, and the Newport marathon, and is looking forward to Yakima’s first marathon ever. That will then be her 6th marathon. 
Mrs. Sharp became interested in marathons through running partners. She had the encouragement of an elderly man named Larry in her early years. Carol Stuhley has been very helpful, as running partner, and encouraging in her more recent years of training.
Beth’s training, and schedule has changed in past years. In her early years of marathon life she would train by miles and run about 60 miles a week. Now Beth spends her time making her schedule of hours to run each day. Her average time of running each day is about three in half-hours. She runs about three in half-hours each day for four months. ,until the marathon comes.
 Her favorite part of marathons is getting together, to meet other runners. She also said her most favorite part is finishing the race because you are accomplishing the goal you have set out.
 The major problem of marathons as she said is not knowing how your body is going to react to the conditions of running such a long distance. Another problem Beth thinks might happed is the runner who wants to run a marathon will not be able to because prices for marathons may become too high. But she said the major advantages of marathons are having perseverance, being able to set a goal, and succeeding. 

Bibliography
 

Burfoot, Amby. Complete Book of Running. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1997. Pp. 51,52,53

Finke, P. " A Users Guide to the Marathon" Portland Marathon (Runners World) pp.42 October 2000

Glover, Bob and Schuder, Pete New Competitive Runners Handbook New York: Penguin Press, 1988. Pp. 86, 282,288, 300-312

Higdon, Hal Marathon the Unlimited Training and Racing Guide Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1993. Pp.35, 83

Liberman, Art.  "Nutritions,"  [Online] Available @ http//www.marathontraining.com 1998

Sharp, B. " Home School Teacher," (Interviewed January 10,2001)

USA Track and Field "Marathon (sport)" Encarta 2001

 

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