I am a marathoner. I run because I want to stay healthy. I also do not want to get overweight and more so, I want to avoid cardiovascular diseases.

When I run, I feel good about myself. Running the marathon helps me keep off any kind of stress. And oh yes! Not only do I run, I also do other exercises such as hiking, swimming, cycling and I do play lawn tennis. Being active is a sure key to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. But while shopping in a mall one day, a friend told me that “running is a wimpy sport….yet one of the toughest people do.” She really dislikes running, so it’s not a sport that she is involved in. But from past experience I can tell you that it’s no easy activity. 

But I entirely disagree with those who call it a wimpy sport. From a psychological viewpoint, those that say it is wimpy sport probably do so in extenuation of their failure to take part in the sport. They are weary of the physical challenge of certain sports. So not to confess they just cannot run, they will say something bad about that sport to make themselves feel better. It is just immaturity on their part. I have learnt not to pay attention to such ‘crap’ or I will let it bother me and stop me from doing this wonderful activity. In any case I am not a wimp.

As someone interested in long distance running, I have learnt a few things to share with anyone out there who is interested in long distance races.

Although it is long distance, it requires speed and distance work. Which means that there are bound to be some injuries. As a result, like me, you may need an attorney specializing in personal injury law who understands the mental and emotional pain from being an athlete so that you obtain the highest possible settlement to account for your pain and suffering.

More so, plyometrics should be fitted into the training program. For starter, Plyometrics, or "plyos" for short, are a type of exercise designed to produce fast and powerful movements. They are generally used by athletes to improve performance in sports, especially those that involve speed, quickness and power. One popular plyometric exercise is to jump off a box and rebound off the floor and onto another, higher box. Such an exercise typically increase speed and strength and builds power.

One more important issue for the good health of any runner is to keep hydrated at all times by drinking all the water that your body needs. Too much water may instead give you cramps.