Marathon Running

Marathon race is a run for a distance of more than 40 kilometers. He received his name according to one of the Greek legends. In 490 BC. E. During the Battle of Marathon, the Athenians were defeated. When the battle was over, a warrior named Fidippid decided to inform the citizens of Athens about the victory first. He traveled from Marathon to his native city at a run. Reporting victory to fellow citizens, Fidippid died. When the Olympic Games were resumed, it was decided to restore the distance that the Athenian warrior ran through and arrange regular runs for this distance. Measuring the distance from the Marathon to Athens, the researchers first named a figure that was about 34-35 km. It was at this distance that the first run took place. Training of the first athletes was calculated at 34.5 km. Even this distance seems colossal. But the most amazing is yet to come.

Over time, marathon running began to be conducted on a longer track. It was lengthened for the sake of the royal family, so that it would be more convenient for the Windsor to watch competitions from their castle. In England people like running very much. The marathon is a real treat for every true Englishman. Members of the royal family are no exception. Today, the exact distance of the marathon route ranges from 40 to 42 km. The official length is 42.195 meters. This distance was approved by the Athletics Federation. However, in many countries where amateur races occur, such requirements may not be respected. After all, no one will measure the track in meters. Yes, and the Fidippid, in whose honor the marathon race was founded, hardly had an accurate idea of what distance he had overcome.

By the way, historical chronicles do not say anything about the culprit of the race. There is a suspicion that he was not at all. Nevertheless, the tradition to organize a marathon is magnificent. It has become not only a sport discipline. A marathon is a kind of performance. This is the propagation of a healthy lifestyle, and the challenge of old age, and the health indicator of the nation. Races are massive, and the reason for them can be any celebrations and events, and not only official competitions.

Marathon running is not for weak people. It requires training, rejection of bad habits and some margin of strength and patience. Officially there are two distances for long races: marathon and half marathon. The latter has a distance of half the first. Nevertheless, a half marathon is also a test. In track and field athletics there is a marathon run for men and for women. And the distance itself remains the same, there are no indulgences for the fair sex. Just there are better indicators among the male half of the athletes and among the female. As noted by statistics, the women's world record lags behind the male record by about 12 minutes.

The most difficult point in the marathon is at the stage of 30 km. All athletes who are engaged in this race are specially trained. First, they significantly increase the amount of glycogen in the muscles, because it tends to burn. In order to successfully overcome the distance, athletes have to sit on a carbohydrate diet. This allows you to raise the glycogen reserve 3 times. Before the race itself it is necessary to take food rich in carbohydrates. This meal is almost a tradition. The best food in this case is pasta and potatoes.

Marathon running is held at a certain temperature. So, if the temperature has risen above 27-28 degrees, then the race is better to cancel. Because it can be dangerous to health and life. The most normal temperature for running is about 15 degrees. Therefore, in most countries the marathon is held in autumn and spring, when there is no strong heat. When the heat of the race ends, indeed, the death of the participant can be.