Selecting a Marathon Training Program

Abstract

The marathon is well noted for the extreme stress it applies to the body and mind. The physiological aspects of marathon training were investigated and examined for someone unfamiliar with the field. Several training programs were investigated within a framework provided by the popular Daniels' Running Formula. By the Formula's guidelines, training elements, means of implementation, and training volumes were evaluated for runners of different ability for each training program. Results were produced in the form of data tables and charts for close evaluation. Correspondence to the defined guidelines and relative comparisons between programs were ultimately used to draw conclusions about each program and Daniels' Running Formula. Conclusions were made in the context of an untrained runner with a four month time frame available for training.