Marathon running has become an increasing trend in the United States among non-elite marathon runners. Distance training is a demanding and physical task and a runner needs the proper training program to meet the demand of distance running. Non-elite runners typically lack formal running training and may not realize the damage they could cause to their body with improper running techniques through long distance training. With the increase in non-elite runners, it is probable that there will be an increase in these runners seeking advice from personal trainers or running coaches. Using research on how successful runners are training for performance, coaches and trainers may better prepare their clients for distance training, races and recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine the training methods of non-elite marathon runners. One hundred and fifteen participants, 58 male and 57 female (age 37.20 +/- 12.34) completed the web-based survey. Questions regarding their run training practices, training surface, cross-training and if they worked with a running coach or personal trainer were assessed. Results of the survey determined that males ran faster (P= .000) and ran more miles both while training for a marathon (P = .015) and when not training for a marathon (P = .020) than women. Those runners who trained more years are more likely to work with a running coach (P = .000), run more miles (P = .057) and train longer (P = .104) during marathon training. The survey also revealed that majority of runners training on concrete during marathon training and when not training. Results also determined that majority of respondents cross-trained while marathon training (n=89) with their primary choices of cross-training activity being cycling (n=60) and strength training (n=59). 37 respondents worked with a running coach during marathon training with their primary motivation for doing so being to increase speed. While these findings may provide a better understanding of non-elite marathon runners and their training practices, further research should be conducted to even better understand this population. In all, this study provided an overall view of the motivations and training practices of non-elite marathon runners.
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