Want to be popular? Run a marathon

By Gina Blake

May 5, 2005 | Training a minimum of three months, following a rigorous schedule every day of the week, and devoting at least 64 hours of time: All for one day of glory.

No, this is not the lifestyle of a famous athlete, but of everyday people who decide to run a marathon. Maybe running 26.2 miles doesn't sound like your ideal Saturday, but to a growing number of people a marathon is appealing.

Katie Lund, a University of Utah Student who just finished her first marathon a week ago said, "It's amazing and I recommend it for everyone."

If you have thought about running a marathon, now is the time to prepare. Clearly running a marathon is something that should be planned and trained for. Running for over four hours is just as hard on the body as it sounds.

The first man who ran a marathon was the Greek legend Philippides, he ran 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to deliver news about the Athenian army defeating the Persians. After delivering his message Philippides fell down and died from exhaustion.

Do not let Philippides discourage you, if he had been training to run his message, he probably would have been able to go party after the Athenian victory.

Lori Olsen, a USU physical therapist said, "Anyone who puts their mind to it can easily do one."

Training is the key to becoming physically ready to run a marathon. "You need to get a good base for running before you jump into anything to fast," Olsen said.

USU freshman Rachel Otterstrom found that out the hard way. "I started doing too much too fast," Otterstrom said. An injury to her knee did not allow Otterstrom to continue to train. Her punishment for pushing too hard was a mandatory two month rest without any running or high impact sport activity.

Otterstrom hasn't let the injury stop her in her goal to run a marathon. She plans to run the St. George marathon in October and this time, "I'm going to take it slow and listen to my body."

Preparing for a marathon comes down to a few basic guidelines: First you need to find a training program that works for you. Different lives and different schedules require different running schedules. Whether you want to train using an established program or you want make one tailored to you there are some basics that need to follow to keep your body healthy and prepared for the marathon.

If you are creating your own program it is best to start with base runs with low mileage and then work your way up. About three weeks before the marathon you should have a long run of about 20 miles. After that your mileage should taper off slightly so you can get ready for the marathon.

Whatever your schedule do not rush it. You should decide what marathon you want to run and give yourself at least 3 months for training. If you aren't careful you could hurt yourself.

Your diet is second on the guideline list. As far as what you eat everyday some minor adjustments need to be made so your body can stay healthy. Increasing your carbohydrate intake while running is a must. You use a lot of energy and carbohydrates can help sustain you when running long distances. "Runners definitely need the carbs, they are important." Olsen said.

Carbs are crucial but you can't forget to keep your body hydrated. "Fluids are the most important. Make sure you keep refueling after your long runs, it's the hardest thing and it is a lot of water to keep in your body but it is important," Olsen said.

Once you've got your training schedule in place and your diet straightened out, you need to focus on your running gear . Although it may sound insignificant your shoes and clothes can make a big difference in your running. Comfortable, breathable clothes are important to how you feel physically and mentally. When shopping for clothes keep in mind this isn't a fashion show, you are going to get very hot and you are going to sweat a lot.

Shoes are crucial in running. If you don't have the right shoes you can cause injury. The kind of shoe you use should be a shoe made specifically made for running.

Once you get those crucial basics down you can think about all the fun things running a marathon will do for you. If you have been wanting to shed that extra winter flab, running is one of the best ways to get physically fit. Maybe it is praise you are seeking, if so there is no easier way to make people think you are great than telling them you ran as many hours as it would take them to watch a movie; twice!

Take some advice from someone who has run the marathon, "Try to be as prepared as you can, have a positive attitude and enjoy it because it is an awesome experience. You can walk or jog a lot of the way, just do it," Lund said.

So, when you are enjoying your new body and everyone wants to be your friend just remember it was your good pal the marathon who made life great.

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