"The ancient Greeks were no strangers to long-distance running," marathon scholar Charlie Lovett writes.1 In fact, running was used as their means of communication; foot couriers shuttled messages from city to city throughout the empire. In 490 B.C., the city of Marathon was invaded by a Persian army, which had landed ship upon its sea-lined plains. The invas

The long runs are a critical part of the training routine, but learning to balance them is integral. "The body needs to rest between those runs, which is why we suggest," contend the professionals at Marathon Guide, "no more than two long runs per week and moderate distances on the other days."7 Beck urges his runners to not just watch their distance, but also their speed, since runners are only considered to have finished the marathon if they conclude the trail in under four hours. The exhaustion that comes from such long and speedy marathons guarantees exhaustion, but they help simulate the actual event and the achievable performance. "The argument for long trial times is that you are specifically training your muscles to work for a long period of time at a marathon pace, so that fuel utilization and muscle-fiber recruitment are simulating racing conditions."8

"Preparation for the marathon, along with every other physiological stressor that comprises 'training,' is governed by the principle of specificity: That is, in order to improve at a given activity, you must duplicate, or at least approach the parameters of, that activity as often as possible."5

The training not only increase's the runner's chances at success, it provides innumerable health benefits. In addition to developing the healthy routine of exercise and the corresponding sleep that exertion demands, biological side-effects are also worthwhile. According to William O. Roberts, the medical director of the Twin Cities Marathon in St. Paul, MN, and president of the American College of Sports Medicine, the movement of marathon training "can bring weight down and decrease the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol."11 According to other marathon health exports, the regular physical activity developed during the strenuous but wisely-executed training program reduces the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease development, blood pressure, colon cancer, and the onset of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.12 Additionally, it helps the stubbornly obese America achieve and maintain a healthy body weight naturally, aids the elderly in eased movement, and also reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.13 Thee benefits are all added to the basic metaphysical advantage of setting a goal, achieving it, and building a healthy lifestyle.

Professional trainer and marathon runner Kevin Beck specifies the requirements for a proper raining exercise.

ion took the Athenians by surprise, and they sent a messenger named Pheippides to Spart with speed. Hoping to e

Some common words found in the essay are:
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