Custom Search
|
|
Why Is Marathon Running So Popular?
Now running a marathon is not easy. It takes a lot of training just to finish the race and even more to get a good time. Although some of the natural runners can complete a marathon with a minimal of training, the vast majority need to put in a lot of mileage over an extended period of time. This means going out in all types of weather or spending hours on a treadmill. What is it that motivates them to run? Often people watching a big marathon on TV are drawn to excitement and glamour. They are inspired watching ordinary people of all ages and sizes completing the race. They can identify with the runners and feel, that if others can do it, so can they. Sometimes they take up a challenge from their family or friends to prove that they can also do it. Many runners start with the aim of getting fit or losing weight. They start with short runs a couple of times a week. Slowly they start running further, faster and more frequently. Then they start to enter the shorter fun runs and 10km races. This leads them to the longer races. OK that’s what gets them motivated to start. What is it that keeps them running? Let’s look at some of the attractions. There is no doubt that running gives you a feeling of wellbeing. No matter how tired you feel before a training run, you always feel so much more energetic afterwards. Not only this, any tension and stress soon dissolves after a couple of kilometers. It is the endorphins that are released into your system when you run which accounts for this. Once you realize this you are much more motivated not to skip your training runs. Nothing compares with the confidence running gives you. You start to learn that you are no longer bound by the limitations that you had set for yourself. You now feel you can take on challenges that previously you would never have accepted. Best of all, this starts to manifest in all areas of your life, not just running. Obviously your body tones up. You may lose a bit of weight. You look a lot better. Ailments like indigestion and heartburn vanish. Your energy soars. You are more relaxed. The camaraderie of the marathon is outstanding. There is a vibe that permeates every event, no matter what the weather conditions. Apart from the elite athletes who compete against each other, the majority of the field is only competing against themselves. These races and the group training runs are like social events. It is a chance to interact with like minded people from all walks of life. Running provides a wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people and make new friends. Many running clubs often have a strong social bias. They organize regular functions, get-togethers and outings. Some runners love the training runs they do on their own. The solitude allows them to clear their minds. To solve any problems that have been nagging them. To enjoy the time alone doing what they love. For some it is a chance to find those special routes. They love to do beautiful scenic runs in the country or explore the neighborhood. They take your shoes with them when you travel so that they can run wherever you are. Finally the biggest motivator of all is crossing the line. Nothing beats the exhilaration of completing your first marathon. The sense of accomplishment is absolutely amazing. Once you have done this, there is nothing you feel that you can’t accomplish. It will bring you back to run marathon after marathon. This what makes marathon running one of the most satisfying sports. This is why marathons draw so many participants to every race. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Donavon Watson is an editor of www.marathonrunningonline.com, a website which offers you the opportunity of sharing your marathon running experiences with others and is a place to find leading brand running apparel. |
|