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Be one of the participants of the study to know how long distance runners train themselves in preparation of the marathon and which is their habits toward the run they practice. You need only few minutes. Click here and start this run.
The strenuous physical activity tends to decrease in most animals with increasing age. In humans this is not always true, because it is noted today a significant increase of individuals who continue to remain physically active even when they are older.
In recent years the worldwide success is experiencing the marathon (42.195 km) is a demonstration of this track.
“In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”
If you are a runner, take part in this research carried out by Italian Track&Field Federation to learn how you train and what are the main reasons of your involvement in this sport. Click on the figure and go to the page where you will find the questionnaire. Take part in getting to know the world of run lovers.
One day at the Rome marathon (www.maratonadiroma.it) and it’s time to free your mind from all the uncertainties about the performance, some ideas:
The marathon as life metaphor.
“… if me too and, like me, thousands of normal persons can run more than 42 km, then all is possible. Also to stop the wars.
(Alessandro Bertani, Emergency vice president)
The activity-tracking app – Strava – has released some information looking at the habits and activities of London Marathon runners from last year. And it’s good news for the most experienced runners.
Ultramaratoneti e gare estreme
Matteo Simone
Roma Prospettiva editrice, 2016, p.298
Parlare di ultramaratona è difficile perché con facilità si può scadere nella retorica del sacrificio, del no pain-no gain. Questo libro, invece, parla di questo tema dando voce alla esperienze positive e negative di chi corre. Infatti si parla all’inizio della corsa, anzi del movimento, e di quanto sia importante muoversi quotidianamente scegliendo la misura che è più indicata e piacevole per la persona. Successivamente il lettore è condotto nel mondo della corsa di lunga distanza e quindi anche in quello dell’ultramaratona. Qui il racconto assume sempre più una dimensione narrativa in cui Simone Matteo fa parlare i diretti protagonisti attraverso le loro esperienze. La maggior parte di loro sono persone comuni, non atleti professionisti, che parlano delle ragioni che sottendono a questa scelta sportiva. Sono in generale motivazioni che nascono dal desiderio di migliorare la conoscenza di se stessi, attraverso la conoscenza di quali siano i propri limiti e come superarli. Il corpo parla continuamente a questi amanti dell’endurance, poiché la distanza determina sollecitazioni che le corse brevi e di media lunghezza non arrivano a determinare. Ascoltarsi vuol dire anche sapere quando fermarsi dando retta proprio ai segnali che provengono dal fisico. Non ascoltarli significa andare incontro a problemi fisici anche gravi, come viene raccontato da alcuni runner. Il libro scorre in modo interessante poiché Matteo Simone narra delle storie personali senza avere la pretesa d’insegnare cosa sia l’ultramaratona ma lasciandola scoprire al lettore attraverso le parole di chi la pratica. Ognuno di noi se ne farà quindi un’idea personale, basata su cosa riteniamo sia la corsa, la corsa di lunga distanza e il nostro rapporto con il movimento. E’, quindi, un libro aperto a diverse soluzioni interpretative dettate dalle esperienze di chi legge e credo che questo sia il suo pregio principale.
A 92-year-old cancer survivor has become the oldest woman to finish a marathon. American Harriette Thompson ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego in seven hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds. Having survived three bouts of oral cancer, Thompson crossed the line accompanied by her son Brenny, 56. Aged 92 years and 65 days, Thompson took the record of 92 years and 19 days set by Gladys Burrill in the Honolulu Marathon in 2010. ”I guess it’s sort of unusual now,” she said. “But in 10 years it won’t be ususual at all. People are living longer … I guess the secret is just keep going and pleasant thoughts.” Thompson, a two-time cancer survivor, runs to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Many people ask me what is the marathon and if it’s a pleasure in travelingto run all those kilometers. This thought by Mauro Covacich, Italian writer and runner, is one of the possible explanations.
“The marathon is a kind of permanent faith: just to have finish it only once to feel marathoners for a life. It’s like psychoanalysis. Yes, I consider it a form of martial art, an inner discipline. It’s intrinsically. For workouts that it requires, for the way that leads you to perceive the environment, for the effort that demands on your body. The marathoner is a samurai with shoes instead of the sword: he’s extremely severe with himself, not never forgives, he is constantly struggling against the limits … it’s a mistake to think at the marathon as a sport, it’s a discipline maximally aesthetic. It’s a vision of the world: not only those forty-two kilometers from running in the shortest possible time, it’s the idea to resist, to go further … “
The champions’ world are of unbelievable value. Lornath Kiplagat, Olympian and world road record-holder, talks about the running. Nature, individuals and atmoshere. Fun and performance. Amazing: we have to learn a lot from her. atleta olimpica e record mondiale su strada, parla della corsa fata di natura, persone e ambiente. Divertimento e prestazione. Incredibile: impariamo da lei.
“Where’s your favourite place to run? Definitely Iten in Kenya. Because of the natural trails, the people living around there, the atmosphere and the runners. Everyone is a runner. If you aren’t running, it’s like: “What are you doing?” You don’t struggle to run – it’s just a part of life there. The morning, the middle of the day, the night … no one minds. That’s the best place. Competition-wise, it’s the London Marathon. It’s a pity I’ve never really had a chance to win it, but I’ve always had fun there. London has always been good to me over the years, even if I didn’t perform. Many athletes think you need to win, to be top-three. I never won but I still think it’s really special. I really appreciate the way they treat the athletes here. It’s amazing.” (by The Guardian)
