Marathon Training

I recently read an article about running and training for marathons. The article was called "Speed Training for Marathoners", by Richard A. Lovett. The article was mostly about how training at faster speeds and shorter distances can have advantages for long distance runners. Some marathoners will run all long runs to train, but in reality, training at faster shorter distances can be helpful. If you run too much distance, you risk getting an injury. But, if you run a mix then you can actually increase your oxygen levels (VO2 max). VO2 max is "the maximum amount of oxygen your body can process at peak effort," Lovett says.

If you train to make your VO2 max higher, it can help you in the long run to be able to use more oxygen when you are running longer distances. The article says that studies show that "the average runner can increase [their VO2 max] by only 5 percent to 15 percent--depressing news for most of those trying to turn a 4-hour marathon into a Boston qualifier." This quote shows that most may not be able to process much more oxygen, or be able to drastically change their race times, it is possible still to have a higher VO2 max. Being able to process more oxygen in your body helps you to move faster, and eventually increase your running speed. This article was very informative, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to find out more about running, especially long distance running.

See article here.