Are you an A-list sexy type male, lean dude or muscular hunk? If you are the latter, you may have to be ready losing some of that mass if you want to go into seriously running the marathon. It’s not that runners can’t have muscles but if you are running long distances every week, you would naturally lose some bulk. However, you would surely remain strong all throughout senior years if you are motivated to run the yearly marathon anywhere in the world.

It’s already a great achievement finishing a full (42K) or half marathon (26K). How much more winning it? Research shows that 5k and 10k social runners (running for fun) would have their best chances of winning the overall race in their 20s, and full marathoners in their 30s. Winning duration significantly improves as they get older in age groups from 18-24 to 28-29 groups. It improves further when compared to the 30-34 groups.

John-Starbrook

John Starbrook at 86 (as per image above) who only started at 43 is the oldest marathoner in London this year. He feels awfully young when around his peers and loves to run with grandchildren. He is a living proof that statistics don’t lie. The number of finishers still increases from 45-49 age groups to 50-54 age groups. By age 54, you can’t help but continue it for as long as you can because you are not only driven from inside your body – but you totally embraced the lifestyle of a marathon runner. The following tips will not tell you to train harder but to chill it out before the marathon:

Do not blow your race without preparation

If you are not well rested and electrolyte levels plus hydration are not at par, better not run at all. You will be prone to injury and cramping if you do so.

Don’t freak out on weight gain prior to run

It is normal to gain some weight prior to the run because workout levels are lowered to be able to have some rest. Glycogen storing in the liver and keeping some fat are also essential for the marathon proper. So, never feel bad to load some carbs, you need it on race day.

Prevent feet activity before the marathon

No more strolling or even shopping before the day. If you have to, do so quickly or take a swim for 30 minutes maximum – but only if you need to do something. Save testing of new exercises on your next training after the marathon.

Spoil your feet 

Read, chat with friends while comfortably seated or watch movies. You have all the right to have lazy feet the day before the event. If you end up getting bedsores then you have enough rest for the marathon.

Stretch those muscles if you need to move

If you are restless and need to move, use that energy to straighten up muscle tissues. The glycogen storage you need for the run will not be consumed by stretching for 30 min minutes twice a day.

Think about the finish line – not the way 

Thinking about running too much will not help. Free yourself from worrying about pace, distance and time. Trust that you have done the best training you can possibly have. Just bring home the medal.

See, it’s not tough at all. Know that if your marathon training is suggesting you to do mindless long runs, then it’s wrong. Get it right by having a good fortitude right from the start.

Sources: Thestar/ Mirror

http://www.mensfitness.com/training/cardio/how-train-marathon-without-sacrificing-muscle

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/running/marathon/

https://www.livestrong.org/who-we-are/news/2016-marathon-relay-benefit-livestrong

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