running girl finishs a marathonrunning a marathon? Any fancy New Years Resolutions?

Is it a good idea to prepare for running a marathon in the new year? Many start the year with good resolutions. They want to do this or that. More family time, less alcohol, no smoking, but above all most want to do more sport after the Christmas holidays. That’s a persistent theme. And those for whom sport is not only on the list, but also plays a real role in life, go one better. For them, it absolutely has to be a marathon. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide set themselves this goal.

Runs – long distance, short sprints, 2k, 5k, 10k+, fast or leisurely

Running … we love it. Everything revolves around it. That’s why the theme of long-distance running will play a fundamental role in BeFaster.fit and future partnerships. It will also be integrated here on the website in a very extensive way. Be curious! But first, we would like to introduce you to the supreme discipline of long-distance running. We want to provide you with the sewing ground and further BeFaster.fit updates.

A Marathon – it´s more than just a run, it´s a transformative experience

Running a marathon is an incredible feat that requires months of dedication, hard work, and discipline. For many people, training for a marathon is a transformative experience that not only challenges them physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line is unmatched, and the memories and friendships made along the way will last a lifetime.

The training requires a significant effort but you get a lot back

The process of training for a marathon can be both grueling and rewarding. It requires setting a goal, creating a training plan, and sticking to it, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. The training itself involves putting in long miles, often at the crack of dawn or late at night. Pushing through the pain and discomfort that comes with pushing the body to its limits. Along the way, many runners will experience a range of emotions, from the excitement and euphoria of hitting new milestones, to the frustration and self-doubt that can come with injury or other setbacks.

Despite the challenges, many runners find that the sense of accomplishment they feel after completing a marathon is worth all the effort. Crossing the finish line, surrounded by thousands of other runners and a cheering crowd, is an indescribable feeling that can’t be replicated. Along the way, runners will also have the opportunity to meet and connect with other people who share their passion for running, which can lead to lasting friendships and a sense of community.

A run for your physical and mental strength

Ultimately, running a marathon is a personal journey that will test the limits of your physical and mental strength. It is an incredible challenge, but one that is truly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to tackle your next marathon or a beginner looking for a new challenge, signing up for a marathon will change your life in ways you never thought possible.

Long distance runs and mental condition

But the true test of a marathoner’s mettle is not just in the physical preparations, it’s in the mental fortitude. Running a marathon is a test of willpower and mental strength. Like facing a fear, the mind will often give up before the body does, but a marathoner must push through the pain and fatigue to reach the finish line.

Achieving the goal of running a marathon is a metaphor for overcoming challenges in life. It teaches us that with hard work and determination, we can accomplish even the seemingly impossible. It is a reminder that the journey is often more important than the destination. That the obstacles we overcome along the way help shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals.

The right preparation determines success

Preparing for a marathon is like embarking on a journey through uncharted territories. It takes months of determination, perseverance and dedication to train your body and mind for the grueling 42km / 26.2 mile race.

Like packing for a long trip, preparing for a marathon requires a well thought out plan. One must assess their physical fitness level and create a training schedule that gradually increases the distance and intensity of their runs. As the training progresses, it is important to fuel your body with the right foods to provide the energy and nutrients needed for the long miles ahead.

That’s what preparation could be like

Get ready a commitment to regular training over a period of several months. Here is a general outline of what a training plan for a marathon might look like:

  1. Begin by building your base mileage: In the first few weeks of training, focus on increasing the overall volume of your running by building your base mileage. This might involve running 3-4 times per week and gradually increasing the distance of your runs.
  2. Incorporate interval training: As your fitness improves, begin incorporating interval training into your routine. This might involve running at a faster pace for short bursts, followed by periods of active recovery.
  3. Add strength training: In addition to running, it is also important to include strength training in your marathon preparation. This might involve exercises such as squats, lunges, and calf raises to build strength in the legs, hips, and core.
  4. Incorporate long runs: As the marathon approaches, it is important to begin incorporating longer runs into your training. This might involve running at a comfortable pace for several hours at a time, with the goal of building endurance.

Never forget the tapering period

The last 2-3 weeks before the marathon, you should reduce training volume, allowing the body to recover and giving you the energy and stamina to perform at the day of the marathon.

What is also important:

  1. Hydrate and fuel your body: Remember to stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutrient-rich food in the days leading up to the marathon, and don’t forget to eat properly during the race.
  2. Stretch and rest: Make sure you are stretching regularly, and get enough rest to help the body recover from your training.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different and everyone has different levels of fitness, so it’s a good idea to consult with a coach or a doctor to create a training plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Be cautious, avoid overtraining or pushing your body too much, that might lead to injuries or burnout, so listen to your body and if needed, adjust your training plan accordingly.

What happens in your body during preparation for a marathon?

During marathon training, the body undergoes a series of physiological changes in response to the increased physical stress placed on it. Here are a few examples of these changes:

Cardiovascular adaptations: Regular running causes the heart to increase in size, which improves its ability to pump blood throughout the body. Additionally, the number of capillaries (tiny blood vessels) in the muscles increases, which helps to bring oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles more efficiently.

1. Pulmonary adaptations:

Long-distance running also leads to an increase in lung capacity, as the body adapts to the need for more oxygen during exercise. This can lead to an increase in the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, as well as an increase in the number of alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) that are available to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

2. Muscular adaptations:

In response to the stress of training, the muscles undergo hypertrophy (increase in size and strength) and an increase in the number of mitochondria (the cellular structures responsible for producing energy). This leads to an increased ability to produce energy aerobically and delay fatigue.

3. Hormonal adaptations:

Training for a marathon also leads to changes in hormone levels. For example, the body’s production of adrenaline and noradrenaline increases, which helps to mobilize energy stores and improve the body’s ability to respond to stress. Additionally, the body’s production of testosterone and growth hormone increases, which helps to promote muscle growth and repair.

4. Metabolic Adaptations:

Training leads to an improved utilization of fat as a source of fuel, instead of carbohydrates, which allows you to spare glycogen stores for longer duration of exercise. Additionally, training will promote the enhancement of the enzymes responsible for carbohydrate metabolism.

5. Immunological Adaptations:

Regular exercise has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which help to protect the body against infection. Training for a marathon may also lead to changes in the gut microbiome, which can influence the immune system in ways that are not yet fully understood.

All these adaptations, especially if the training is progressively built, will allow you to perform better during the marathon. You will be more resistant to fatigue and injury, and perform at your peak during the race.

How many people participate?

Marathon, regularly attract tens of thousands of runners from all over the world. Additionally, many cities host multiple marathons throughout the year, with varying levels of participants. However, it’s worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the number of runners in 2020 and 2021 as events were cancelled or adapted to virtual races. Popularity increased in recent years. According to data from Running USA, the number of marathon finishers in the United States alone has grown from just over 300,000 in 2000 to over 550,000 in 2019.

In summary, marathon running has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with more and more people taking up the challenge of running a marathon. However, accurate data on the number of marathon runners worldwide is difficult to come by and may vary depending on the source.

The most famous long-distance running events

There are many exciting marathons held around the world that attract runners from all levels of experience and skill. Some of the most popular and highly regarded marathons include:

The Boston Marathon: One of the oldest and most prestigious marathons in the world, the Boston Marathon has been held annually since 1897. It is known for its challenging course and strict qualifying standards, making it a goal for many serious runners.

The London Marathon:

is held annually in London, England. It is one of the largest in the world, with over 40,000 runners taking part each year. The course takes runners through the heart of London, passing many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

The New York City Marathon:

is one of the biggest and most famous ones in the world, with over 50,000 runners taking part annually. The course takes runners through the five boroughs of New York City, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park.

The Berlin Marathon:

Known for its flat and fast course. It is one of the most popular marathons in Europe and it’s held annually in September. It has a record of fast times, many runners aim to beat personal records in this event.

The Chicago Marathon:

Known for its flat and fast course as well. It has been held annually since 1977 and it’s now one of the largest marathons in the world, with over 45,000 participants each year. It takes runners through the streets of Chicago, passing many of the city’s most famous landmarks and neighbourhoods.

The Tokyo marathons

is held annually in February, it’s a premier marathon race in Japan and one of the largest marathon events in the world. The course takes runners through the heart of Tokyo, passing through famous landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Tokyo Tower.

The Sydney Marathon:

is held annually in September, it takes runners through the streets of Sydney, passing many of the city’s most famous landmarks and neighborhoods. This marathon is known for the spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridg

These are just a few examples of the many exciting long-distance running events that are held around the world each year. Each has its own unique charm and attracts runners for different reasons, whether it’s for the challenge of the course, the atmosphere of the event, or the opportunity to run in a new and exciting location.

How does BeFaster.fit position itself in this regard?

We know exactly how complicated and time-consuming it can be to get comprehensive information about upcoming marathons. We know that HUNDREDS of marathons are offered internationally. There are various factors to consider. Such as registration deadlines and participation fees.

Since BeFaster.fit is to the marathon as the wedding night is to the wedding. As salt is to the meal, we will provide a comprehensive and, if possible, complete list of worldwide marathons here on our website. Here you can see at a glance what you are interested in and get to the registration form with a few clicks.

Upcoming running events and special information

We will not only provide you with overviews and direct access to individual marathons, but also share blogs and information about special and distinctive marathons. We will provide previews, summaries and evaluations. Here on the website, we will also provide you with further information and opportunities to actively earn something from the race.

What is BeFaster.fit?

BeFaster.fit is a mass-adaptive web3 application with unique features and opportunities for users. Not only do we provide support and motivation for active lifestyles, supporting community health, but we also offer opportunities to make money. By uniting currencies and crypto, we are profitable in both markets. A monthly revenue share for users, wrapped in an exciting product of game, fun and competitive character. Special algorithms and machine learning ensure sporting fairness. The brilliant business model includes unprecedented financial potential for users and investors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running a marathon is an endurance event, a personal achievement, and a lifestyle change. It is an opportunity to test ourselves, to discover our limits, and to push past them. It is not just about crossing the finish line but about the journey that leads to it. That’s why we often say “A marathon is not just a race, it’s a lifestyle”.

Just make sure you run with the BeFaster.fit app.

Download it here.