History Of Marathons: Discussing A Portion

May 16, 2013 in History of Marathon | No comments

092 History of MarathonsDo you like to know the history of marathons? If you are an avid marathoner then knowing how marathons started is really interesting. It will give you an edge. You run while you share story.  Whatever you learn, you can share it. The marathon started100 years ago so if you think you are the first to run, you are wrong. It started in the past with only a few runners not now wherein almost every nation joins runs. They do it for fun. The longest race recorded was less than 5 kilometers. When this sport becomes popular, it was already organized in countless cities. Winners are given recognition and cash prizes. The first men are great runners because they were born hunters. Imagine yourself hunting in the wilds. You don’t just observe your target. You even run until you caught it. Human’s stamina is unbeatable and it is the reason why running is a bearable activity. The fastest runners came from the military society and a few civilians who later one served as community messengers. Before, messengers simply run places to places not until the ride with a horse.

In the old Egypt, running was a great military skill. It is something that a military should have. The famous King Taharka of the Egyptians are fond of organizing long distance runs to train his army. The distance is close to 100 km. Later on, the event was termed “Pharaonic 100km” wherein participants’ starting line is from the Sakkara pyramids to Hawara pyramid at El Faioum, south-west of Cairo. You heard of the famous mythic run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens?  This story has a lot of versions and it plays a role in the rise of marathon. 50 years later, Herodotus revealed that Pheidippides had been sent to Sparta, before the war to ask for help. But, Herodotus didn’t mention whether Pheidippides returned with a reply. This event was commemorated through the Spartathlon race. This long distance run is about 240km.

Pheidippides’ death run from Marathon going to Athens was even made into a poem by the famous poet, Robert Browning.

After Pheidippides’ death run, De Coubertin appeared. He was a Frenchman who sought reasons for the weakened French national standing. He handled public schools. He put emphasis on sporting endeavors. In a tour, he happened to met William Brookes, the man who started the Much Wenlock Olympic Society. De Coubertin was then inspired to launch his own Olympic campaign and that was in1892. Two years after, the International Olympic Committee at the Sorbonne was made possible. The delegates then strongly support the first modern Olympics in 1896 in Athens. Now, running is already an all-time favorite sport.

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What To Eat Before A Race

August 3, 2012 in What To Eat Before A Race | No comments

Do you run marathons and other races? If so, you know how important it is to have good nutrition. The thing is, there is an art to fueling your body and it can be tricky to figure things out. What to eat before a race is a prime example of this.

The meal that you consume before your race is very important. If you eat the wrong foods it can slow you down and prevent you from doing your best. If you are set on winning, it can even cost you the title. The thing is, the right foods can vary from runner to runner so it is a good idea to experiment with this during training.

Think About Quantity

When determining what to eat before the race, you should think about how much food you want to consume. Do you eat a lot during a long race or tend to eat light? Do you plan on consuming a big meal the night before? These are some things to think about when selecting your meal. The size of your meal matters, but it also varies.

What to Eat

What kinds of foods should you be eating? It helps of you understand that the purpose of this meal is to provide your body, namely your liver, with glycogen. Glycogen comes from carbohydrate rich food like oatmeal and whole what toast.

When to Eat

The ideal time to eat this meal is about 3 or 4 hours before the race. What if the race is early in the morning? Just do your best to try to get a meal inside of you (a small one) two hours beforehand. It could help if you eat some cereal or spaghetti before bed so that your glycogen stores will be higher when you wake up.

Every runner is different. The meal that you eat before the race will depend on a variety of factors. These tips can help.

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The Benefits Of Losing Weight Through Running

August 1, 2012 in Losing Weight Through Running | No comments

Everybody knows by now that if you want to lose weight you need to burn off some extra calories. Losing weight through running is therefore an extremely popular method as most also know that getting out and running is a very efficient way to shed a few extra calories on a daily basis. The fact that running allows the freedom to exercise without the need for specialized equipment, and overpaid personal trainers, may also be partially responsible for its popularity.

Running does require a decent pair of running shoes designed to protect our feet and legs from damage. To run comfortably, it is wise for the new runner to not skimp on this aspect of the sport. A cheap pair of sneakers will more than likely cause pain and ultimately a failure in weight loss goals. Who wants to run when it hurts so much? So get a decent pair of running shoes for the best chance of success.

Like many popular weight loss methods, running is only a small part of the picture if you plan on taking it up for the purposes of losing weight. Sure, running will burn through a few calories, but as it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes of exercise to burn off the calories in one can of Coca-Cola, it makes sense to alter the diet slightly for some extra weight loss benefits.

We are not talking about drastic changes here, but rather substitution. Instead of a soda drink for dinner, have a very chilled glass of water. Your body will speed up its metabolism in order to get the cold water up to body temperature. Not only do you remove the extra calories from the sugary drink, but you also get an extra benefit from a speedier metabolism. It may not seem like much, but over a lifetime these little changes in lifestyle can all add up to extra health and vitality.

Losing weight through running, and keeping it off, should not be a passing fad, but rather a lifelong commitment. Running is a great way of losing weight and keeping fit. Slotting a quick run into our lives, 3 or 4 times a week, and with a few minor changes to our diet can make drastic differences to our energy and fitness levels. Give it a try and see how much your life can change for the better.

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There Are Some Supplements That Help For Races

July 27, 2012 in Supplements That Help For Races | No comments

Most serious runners are conscientious about eating a healthy diet; however, that does not mean that they necessarily get all of the vitamins and minerals that they need for a healthy and strong body. This is especially true for athletes who like to train for races and marathons. Many running experts agree that there are some supplements that help for races and should become a part of the runner’s preparation for competitive running events.

For example, calcium is an essential mineral that is needed for strong bones. Additionally, adequate amounts of calcium not only help ensure strong bones, but can play a major role in reducing the likelihood of stress fractures. Another important nutritional supplement for serious runners, as well as individuals who are concerned about the quality of their diet, is fish oil. Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids that are present in fish oil can actually help reduce muscle soreness while increasing lean muscle. This can be especially advantageous for runners of all levels.

Iron is another supplement that can be especially helpful for athletes because it plays a vital role in helping transport oxygen to the muscles. People who have low iron are often lacking in energy, which can certainly be detrimental to a competitive runner. Additionally, taking too much iron can cause organ damage, so it is wise to speak with a physician before supplementing your diet with this mineral.

While there is some controversy over whether or not a multi-vitamin is needed, the serious athlete who is in hard training could potential benefit from this supplement.  Additional controversy looms regarding the hcg diet, and wether it’s a viable weight loss option. Most people, especially those who eat a well balanced diet, will probably not need  a multi-vitamin; however, many people are lacking in some food groups and could potentially benefit from supplementing their diet with a daily multi-vitamin.

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Health Benefits Of Running

July 25, 2012 in Health Benefits Of Running | No comments

Running is all the rage these days. Whether male or female, young or old, just about anyone can join this fun physical activity. With the numerous health benefits of running, it is no wonder why more and more people are lacing up their shoes and entering this sport.

Running is perfect for those people who desire to lose weight. This exercise burns more calories compared to any other cardiovascular exercise and increases metabolism. It is ideal for those individuals who want to stay in shape but do not want to shell out loads of money for gym membership and spend several hours a day working with machines.

Another advantage of this workout is that it significantly reduces the risk of acquiring osteoporosis and other bone-related ailments. Running boosts a bone’s density, thereby offering more protection against breakage and injury. This is particularly useful as people grow older and their bones become brittle and weak.

Studies have shown that running is good for the heart. Aside from lowering an individual’s blood pressure, the activity also increase good cholesterol, lessens the risk of acquiring blood clots, all of which work to bring down the chance of having a heart attack.

This sport also increases lung capacity as it uses fifty percent of a person’s lungs that is usually left unutilized. Several former smokers have experienced firsthand regaining their full lung capacity after following their program for eight months. People who suffer from asthma will also be able to reap the health benefits of running.

Running requires the observance of the proper form – shoulders level, back straight, head up and relaxed arms and hands. As a result, runners stand straighter and have excellent posture. They exude self-confidence. Like any other workout or exercise, it is best to consult a doctor before embarking on a running program.

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