The art of long distance running is an art form that is acquired at an early age and requires plenty of training. There is also plenty of honing of skills. Many a good runner have been exercising, training and learning skills and techniques for a good number of years. There are many reasons why people choose to become long-distance runners. Most usually have some talent and will be looking for opportunities to hone their skills and improve on techniques. Others are keen runners who love to keep fit and enjoy a good run.
Running Long Distances
Some individuals choose to become professional athletes and decide to take on running long distances for purposes of competing in events that come with cash awards. One of the most renowned long-distance running events is the marathon. This tradition of running about 41km for men and 35km for women started back in ancient Greece. A messenger ran from the city of Marathon to Athens to deliver a message regarding an impending invasion. Shortly afterward, the man fell down and died. Marathons and run across the world in his honor.
Marathon runners need to learn about endurance and how to run without tiring easily. This is achieved by running with only mild panting. The training also involves running in sloppy or hilly areas as well as at high altitude. This is excellent practice and preparation for long-distance running events and competitions involving running long distances. The reason is that running at high altitudes such as in the conditions in tropical Africa or South America will help the lungs open as a result of low oxygen levels at altitude. This offers an advantage at lower altitude.
Runners training for long distant, none marathon events such as the 5000 meters or the 10,000 meters need to train equally hard, just not for that long. These long-distance runners require plenty of energy yet they have to learn what foods and food supplements to use and what food substances and food supplements to avoid. This is because some are banned by the athletics federation such as the IOC or International Olympics Committee and the International Amateur Athletics Foundation or IAAF.
Athletes running long distances need to know and appreciate the need to avoid drinking plenty of water or eating foods that will affect their running. All these are skills, techniques and running long distances tips that are learned, mastered and honed over time.