London’s Running: Preparing for The Ultimate Physical Challenge
Author: icampbell | Posted: 24.09.2008As most people are probably aware, the human body needs regular physical exercise to remain healthy and stave off all the effects of the average 21st century lifestyle. Whether it’s through over-eating, excessive alcohol consumption or simply sitting behind a desk for the majority of the working day, the need to kick-start the body into action has never been so important.
And this is why many people join a gym to break a little sweat on the treadmill a few times a week, as this will certainly help to negate at least some of the effects of an otherwise inactive lifestyle. But for others, the need to really push the body to the limit can become somewhat of an addiction that extends way beyond a few trips to the local fitness centre each week.
Indeed, running a marathon is often seen as the ultimate physical endurance test. And whilst there’s little doubt that pounding 26.2 miles of pavements and roads is a major feat, it is still an attainable goal that is achieved by many thousands of non-athletes each year.
Of course, the need to put in some serious training before the race cannot be overstated and anyone even considering a marathon should know that it will require at least four months – often much more, however – of scheduled, rigorous training.
Furthermore, the more popular marathons, such as London, usually require applications from runners as much as a year before the actual race; and this helps to illustrate the demand that exists for such an internationally renowned sporting event.
For those who applied to enter the 2009 Flora London Marathon, results from the open ballot system will be released in early October 2008, which will allow over 6 months for runners to prepare their bodies for what will undoubtedly be the physical endurance test of a lifetime.
However, many people won’t be successful with their initial ballot application, but this doesn’t mean they won’t be able to participate in the race. Indeed, many charities are allocated entries into the race by the marathon organiser, which only leaves the runner to meet the pre-specified fundraising target for their chosen charity.
Whilst this may seem a little daunting at first, it’s important to remember that most people are more than happy to donate when they realise how much effort is being made to train for what is considered one of the most gruelling races in the world.
Moreover, even those runners lucky enough to be allocated a place in the 2009 London Marathon through the open ballot system can still raise money for a charity of their choice, without the pressure of reaching a set fundraising target.
And this, ultimately, is why so many people choose to participate in a marathon. Not only does it help them attain a supreme level of fitness by setting themselves a tremendous physical challenge, but it also gives them the opportunity to do their bit for a very worthwhile cause.
About Author:
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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