May 2008,
Issue #004

In This Issue:

1. The Marathon is Like a Book
2. Motivational Quote
3. Monthly Running Tip
4. Coaches Forum
5. Runner Of The Month

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1. The Marathon is Like a Book - Reno Stirrat

The Marathon is like a book. There can be drama, adventure, mystery and even comedy. Mostly though, there is intrigue. All of our runs and races are a collection of short stories but the marathon is the classic epic. As we begin our training for the marathon, there is a history behind us that makes us who we are.

The training brings us great runs and sometimes not so great runs. One may even have an adventure during a run. A friend once was doing a run when he came upon a biker who was lying on the ground unconscious. How many of you have been chased by a dog or had a car try to run you off the road. Then there are those runs where everything goes right, and you are one with the universe and have unlimited speed and energy. These training runs are the build up to the climax of our book.

Then we have the marathon… In the marathon we never know at the beginning what will be the outcome. Each of us goes through a range of emotions, from anticipation to ecstasy that people who do not do marathons will never know. The end of the marathon climaxes with a flood of emotions. One can see happiness, sadness, relief and even tears. There is a look of vulnerability. At this point, the marathoner has given his all on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level unsurpassed. It's a beautiful sight to watch and listen to runners at the end of a marathon. You will see humanity and spirit in its pure form.

The finish is also full of emotion: denial, regret, contentment, happiness and letdown just to name a few. Some of us will continue to add volumes to our marathon saga while others will have a one book epic that will be with us for the rest of our lives. The next time you run or watch a marathon, open yourself to the runners around you and feel their story because each one is wondrous, passionate and beautiful…

"The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank."
- George Sheehan

Every month coach Reno will answer questions about running, training, diet, racing, etc. To submit your question, simply Click Here To Ask The Coach.

Question: I just ran a marathon and the recovery is going very well. I'm planning to run another marathon in six weeks. How can I best prepare myself for this race?

Coach Reno: Running two hard marathons in six weeks is difficult, but it can be done.

In two weeks time do 14 to 16 miles at a relaxed pace, then the third week do a medium pace 12 miler. Four weeks out do a hard 16 to 18 mile run. Also after two weeks work some hills or pick up the pace for 3 to 4 min a little faster then marathon pace. Two weeks from your race do your normal pre-marathon taper.

Mike didn't start running until his late 30's, but since then there has been no stopping him. He just ran his 13th straight Boston Marathon. Very impressive. In fact his running goal every year is to qualify and run Boston.

Mike's determination and persistence is a great example on how we can achieve our goals!

For info about how our coaching can help you achieve maximum running fitness:
Training Programs To Help You Run Your Best!

See you next month...

Run smart and with your heart!
Franc Karpo
Reno Stirrat
Distance Running Tips
Boston, MA
781-975-9202