The agony and the ecstasy;Mind and body

9th April 1999, 1:00am

Share

The agony and the ecstasy;Mind and body

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/agony-and-ecstasymind-and-body
Who’ll go the extra 26 miles?

If you are thinking about next year’s marathon you should obtain specialist advice from your local running club or seek out information in running magazines. The marathon organisers will also help out. As a general guide:

* Have a health check.

* Build up to running a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times a week.

* Introduce a fourth session and start increasing the length of your weekend run. This should last an hour and combine running and walking. As your fitness increases, you should run more than you walk.

* Gradually lengthen at least two of your weekly sessions - and remember to include plenty of rest days - until your longest run is at least 15 miles. You should complete a three-hour run, three weeks before the big day.

* If you’re feeling off, or are injured, don’t train. And if it’s just before race day, get a letter from your doctor and the London Marathon will grant you an automatic place the following year.

* Diet is important - watch what and when you eat.

* Whatever the agonies, there are benefits: you’ll boost your cardiovascular fitness, increase your bone density and improve your muscle condition whatever your time.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared