Road Running
Another popular event along with Track Running is Road Running, probably because it is usually held in major towns and cities. But unlike the former which involves running in an indoor or outdoor track, Road Running is running a set distance on an established road.
Categories
Road Running categories are usually divided according to the lengths of the courses. There are four common categories used worldwide: the 5 and 10 kilometer races and the half Marathon and Marathon which are about 21 and 42 kilometers or 13 and 26 miles, respectively. Aside from them, there are other categories of varying distances. Any distance that exceeds that of the Marathon is considered an Ultra Marathon event. Ultramarathons can be measured in terms of distance or by time wherein the one who runs the farthest at a set time wins.
Gear
The road runner’s gear is simpler as compared to that of the trail runners and other Running Events done in the outdoors. First of all, you would need a good pair of running shoes that fits you well and is designed specifically for Road Running. Aside from that, you would probably need clothes that wick away perspiration from your body, although this is not required especially for those who are just getting into the sport. For extremely sunny races, you might also want to add a pair of sunglasses as well as a baseball cap to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. While sponsored races may provide runners with sports beverages to keep them hydrated, you might want to bring water with you just in case the organizers do not provide you with one.
Popular Events
There is a lot of Road Running events held every year in major cities around the world. The biggest events garner millions of fans and rake in billions of dollars in endorsements and advertising campaigns annually.
Usually, these major events are the Marathons held in famous cities worldwide. For one, there is the world’s oldest annual Marathon event, the Boston Marathon which is held every April in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. Every year, it gathers several thousands of young and old participants.
Another major Marathon event that is held on April is the Paris Marathon which is at the same time a tour of the City of Lights. It began in 1896 as a 40-kilometer Marathon which is shorter compared to the 42-kilometer race of today.
Training
Before you even attempt to run your first marathon, there are two important things you have to consider. First, you should check with your physician first if you are fit to run. Doing so would ensure your safety. You surely do not want to do something that is detrimental to your health if you are looking for the opposite.
Aside from that, it is also ideal that you have already taken up running for a year. Because you will be training for a 26-mile run, your body should at least be conditioned enough to run the shortest distances you will have covered at the beginning of your training. If not, don’t overdo things. Instead, begin with a more basic training first. From there, build up your lung power until they are powerful enough to last you a marathon and more.
You should take up a Training Program so that you can focus on your goals while doing them. If you are really serious about your development as a runner, consider getting a coach to guide you. Alternatively, you may opt to take a running partner so you would have someone to motivate you during the course of your training.
Road Running is one of the more lung-busting events in the urban setting, especially the marathon and ultramarathons. But that shouldn’t keep you from taking up the sport. With the proper training and equipment, Road Running can be a rewarding experience.
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