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Why to run the NYC MarathonPublished by
At
a challenging 26.2 miles, the first New York City Marathon in 1970 drew
only 100 contestants. But increased promotion of the health benefits,
potential for charity involvement, and team camaraderie, along with a
spike in the popularity of a cousin sport, the triathlon, have made
completing a marathon like New York both desired and attainable.
FindingDulcinea presents a selection of training tips, inspiration,
tools, essays and interviews. Whether you are an aspiring first-time
marathoner, a long-distance veteran, a world-class competitor, or an
impassioned spectator, this feature offers something for you.
Why Run a Marathon? The marathon has become one of the
fastest-growing types of sporting event in the world, but it’s a
daunting event, especially to those who prefer the elliptical or the
bike, or simply can’t fathom the distance of 26.2 miles. But the
Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) argues that the human body is more than capable of completing a marathon. We used to run distances "far greater than a
marathon. As a hunter, one of man’s greatest assets was his stamina. He
would run his prey ragged."
The marathon is hard, but training for it
isn’t as tough as it used to be, and that’s a good thing. John Hanc
explains the 21st-century approach: take it easy. Hanc notes that, “During the first running boom three decades ago, aspirants embarked upon a six-day regimen of
arduous runs hellbent on crossing the finish line in the fastest time
possible … Things have changed.” Now it’s about weight loss, raising
money or simply acquiring a new hobby. No world records have to be
sought to participate.
The PBS NOVA documentary “Marathon Challenge”
follows a novice group’s preparation for last year’s Boston Marathon
and demonstrates that the marathon is a reachable goal, even for those
who haven’t run since eighth grade gym class.
First-time marathoners might get inspired by this Runner’s World article about three young dads training for their first Boston Marathon.
Like many athletes, the runner dads thrived on companionship. They
"pushed each other through the winter, using our runs to compare notes
on whose baby was eating the best, sleeping the longest, or crying the
loudest."
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