Hit the road: A short course on marathon courses

Every marathon covers 26.2 miles, but each course demands different things from the mind and body. Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon course, for instance, is entirely paved and has a few decent hills — including a cruel climb to the finish line. Here is advice from three marathon experts on how to tackle common course characteristics in a scientific way.

A course is a course? Not really. Your body knows the difference among various types of marathon courses.

The experts: Lewis G. Maharam, author of “Running Doc’s Guide to Healthy Running;” Greg McMillan, coach and exercise physiologist; Jenny Hadley, author of “Marathoning for Mortals.” Additional sources: McMillanrunning.com, Running Times magazine. Bonnie Berkowitz and James Smallwood - The Washington Post. Published on October 22, 2012, 5:07 p.m.

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.