LIFE> Health
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LIFE> Health
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Careful marathon build-up pays off in the long run
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-25 09:50 A slow training pace is an important factor as it helps to get the body's tendons, bones and joints used to the strain of regular jogging. Most coaches and sport physiologists agree that long training programs are the key to success, Gruening says. As you jog, the body converts carbohydrates in the form of glycogens into energy. As soon as the body uses up its reserve of glycogens, it starts burning fat to release energy but it can only do so during a slow jog. "That explains why it is usually during the second half of a marathon that runners collapse," says Gruening. By gradually jogging for longer distances, the body learns to build up bigger reserves and streamline the release of energy. Without completing at least the required minimum of long-distance training, you will never arrive at the marathon's finishing line. "We're talking here of at least six runs over 25 km," says Gruening. The final, long distance training session should be no later than two weeks before the marathon. Taking part in shorter competitions can also help you build up mental discipline and perfect your tactical skills. "Beginners would otherwise get nervous on the big day and start running too quickly," warns Steffny. The slower your build-up to the long-distance training sessions, the more likely you are to succeed. |
