Everything a marathon runner needs to know
Gabrielle Ramsey Tyler
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Entertainment
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When training for a marathon, Carrie Kinnaird, a senior chemical engineering major, said it is best to follow a running schedule.
She and her running partner increase their distance each week, Kinnaird said.
"[Our runs] start off only being around six miles, then over 12 weeks increase to 20 miles," Kinnaird said.
Before the marathon, Kinnaird said, runners should cut back on their mileage to give their legs a chance to rest and be fresh for the marathon.
"The idea is that if you can run 20 miles on tired legs, you can run 26 on fresh legs," Kinnaird said.
Lindsey McDaniel, a senior pre-professional speech-language pathology major, said not only is distance training important, but the terrain is important too.
"During training, it is best to run outside so that you can encounter all types of inclines and declines," McDaniel said.
Samantha Sheehan, a senior merchandising and consumer studies major, said she trains with McDaniel.
"We run anywhere and everywhere. Ruston is a lot hillier than you would think," Sheehan said. "The hills definitely help and really prepare me for a marathon."
Kinnaird said she uses www.mapmyrun.com, which uses maps similarly to MapQuest, to map out her routs before she runs.
"This Web site keeps track of distances and can also tell you the elevation so you know if you will be running hills or not," Kinnaird said.
McDaniel said the time of day is important when training for a marathon.
Kinnaird said, "In the hotter months, it's better to run in the evenings before sunset or in the mornings when it's coolest."
McDaniel said the Louisiana heat can be beneficial.
"The climate [in Louisiana] prepares you for the heat that you may experience in races that start later and last into the late morning hours," McDaniel said.
Sheehan said runners must make sure they have the right gear when running.
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