How Does a Marathon Runner Stay in Shape?
Marathons provide a challenge to any distance runner’s fitness level. In order to avoid injury and complete the 26.2 miles, most marathon runners train regularly for months ahead of time to get in shape for the race. Also, proper nutrition and diet are crucial for assuring marathoners stay fit and healthy. Finishing a marathon can be a grueling yet satisfying experience, but requires dedication and commitment on the part of the runner. Obviously, marathon runners stay in shape by running. But there’s a process involved. Marathon runners don’t just run whenever the urge hits them for a random amount of miles–they have a plan. Marathon runners diligently track mileage and increase miles per run and week carefully, in order to optimize training while not incurring over-use injuries. And while training philosophies can vary, most follow some similar basic guidelines. The vast majority of marathon runners follow basic rules about mileage per week, rest days, miles per run, and months of tr