Non-runners test their soles with marathons

updated 8:23 p.m. ET April 7, 2006

Marathon running is among America's most grueling competitive sports, and it's also our most democratic. Each year, thousands of amateur athletes get to take part in its championship competitions, complete with a cheering crowd at the finish line.

The idea is incredibly tempting: Marathon running is an amazing physical feat, and yet with the right training and psychological focus, experts say almost anyone can do it. Granted, most weekend runners who attempt a marathon don't expect to win. But the thrill of completing a 26.2-mile race in the company of world-class runners is enough to motivate even non-athletes to devote a year of their lives to training.

The workout can be grueling, and the risk of injury high. But the emotional payoff is huge.

"After I ran the marathon, I thought, 'If I could do this, I could conquer the world,'" says Katte Mathias, who ran her first in New York in November. "I'm not a runner. So I felt like after that, anything I put my mind to I could do."

Many first-timers are already recreational athletes, but others hit upon the idea that prepping for a marathon could be a great way to get back in shape or jump-start their lives.

Unlike in many sports, age isn't really a factor in distance running. Older runners may even have a small advantage.

"Psychological training accounts for most successful endurance athletes, and that's why these athletes tend to be older," says Dr. Kevin Stone, an orthopedic surgeon with a sports medicine clinic in San Francisco.

Picking a race
For those who sign on, the first step is choosing among the dozens of marathons taking place across the country each spring and fall. Registration policies vary: Many marathons are simply available for the taking. The New York City Marathon runs on a lottery system, and also grants automatic entry to runners who've completed a certain number of designated races. The Boston Marathon is the only one that requires runners to achieve a qualifying time in another marathon before registering.

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Many marathons also offer a few slots to charities. "This year we'll be working with 18 different charities," says Marc Chalufour, spokesman for the Boston Marathon. "They're each given a number of entries for the race, and they give those out to people who are raising money for them."

For a first-time marathoner, well-planned training is crucial.

It's wise to begin by getting a physical, and some runners also hire a personal trainer. But there are many Web sites and books that can help people who train on their own.

One popular option for beginners is to join a running group.

"Psychologically, it's very tough to do it all by yourself," says Jen Mueller, a personal trainer and motivational expert at SparkPeople, a Cincinnati-based health and fitness company. Groups provide moral support, advice and companionship.

It can be hard to stay focused when the marathon is months away. Mathias trained for four months, as many experts recommend, clocking more mileage each week during runs through her New Jersey neighborhood. She prepared for the marathon with her two roommates, also beginners.

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