After learning about the most important variables in marathon performance and delving into the physiological factors and anthropometric measurements inherent in long-distance running, let’s understand how one should train to prepare for a marathon.

«Training should be the rational application of the main rhythms suggested, both by functional assessment tests and by references transmitted on the field, all in relation to the set goals» begins Domenico Carlomagno, sports technician and fitness trainer at the Mapei Sport Research Centre.

And going into more detail: «The three factors influencing a marathon training programme are volume, intensity and frequency, giving priority to stimulating the aerobic mechanism and gradually and progressively increasing the workload in relation to individual adaptations. Therefore, the quantification of the training load and the quality of recovery will be substantial aspects, in anticipation of the performance».