Run for Fun - Prague Marathon '08

Prague International Marathon always attracts thousands of runners from local population and foreign visitors. Besides the professional marathoners, thousands of locals and tourists join this festival for physical and mental challenge. What makes it even more attractive is that marathon route goes through many popular spots like Charles Bridge, Old Town, riverside and thousands of people will be cheering you along the road. It's like becoming a sports star for that day.

Last year, I ran at 8-km Caddy City Run with some friends. Besides main full and half-marathon runs, Prague Marathon has smaller runs like 8-km City Run or 4-km family run or 10-km Rollerskate Race. This year I am up for a challenge for Half-Marathon (21.097494 km) that will happen at 29-March this year. We already have small group, and I am also trying to get more people for this challenge. It's easier and more fun to have collective run.

Here's the route for this year's Half-Marathon (www.pim.cz);

What do you need to run in a marathon?

+ Long-distance runs require proper preparation and you should start training 2-3 months before the run. You should build up miles gradually. In Prague there are several parks where you can run and I found out about Havlickovy Sady in my neighbourhood. Correct nutrition intakes highly affects your training benefits as well. Besides cardiovascular exercises, you should boost your fitness with some weight-lifting exercises as well. And never forget to stretch!

+ Proper running shoes! It's obvious yet sometimes people ignore it. Last year I ran with Converse style athletic shoes and regretted it on every step I made during the run. Also, do not buy new running shoes just before the race, but run in the ones that you were training with. Same is recommended for other running wear.

+ Do not forget to register, and get your marathon set that includes;
- start number with electronic chip
- official Adidas T-shirt
- start bag
- etc. (see full list of things you get by registration here)

+ eHow.com has useful articles on Running. Realbuzz.com provides some podcasts about running and trainings. Also, another useful article about Half-Marathon preparation for Novices is here.

Here's the documentary about Hervis Prague Half Marathon '07;



and another documentary about Volkswagen Prague Marathon '07;



It's be interesting to hear other's opinions and recommendations about marathon and related. Those in Prague are welcome to join!