Marathons are no longer the domain of elite athletes. People of all ages and abilities are taking on this monumental task. The key is to do it safely.

Twenty six point two miles is a long way to go, and the road can be paved with injuries if you aren’t prepared. In this sixteen week marathon training program, exercise physiologist Kirk Ornstein takes novice and experienced runners on an injury-free journey to the finish line.

Kirk Ornstein/Chelsea Piers Marathon Coach
“First thing you have to actually deal with is developing a base fitness level. Most marathoners, when they start a program, have a fitness level of about fifteen miles per week.”

But you can go from zero to twenty-six point two miles if you give yourself six months to a year to gradually work up to it. Exercise physiologist  Martica Heiner says more and more beginners, especially women, are doing just that. 

BK
“Here we are at the finish of the NY Marathon, and Martica, the profile of women, training and completing marathons throughout the US has changed dramatically in the past twenty years? “Absolutely”.

Martica Heiner
“In fact, only 12,000 women in 1980 completed marathons, compare that to today where over 142,000 are completing this amazing athletic accomplishment.”

“The women are also older. There’s  a lot more women over forty. There’s also a lot more first-timers.”

For best results, work with a trainer or join a running club so you’ll have a better chance of making it to the finish, and having a good overall experience doing it. For Fitness Magazine, I’m Bonnie Kaye.