If you’ve ever trained for a foot race, chances are you’ve used some sort of training guide. And chances are that guide has had certain days assigned as “tempo run” days. It’s possible that this term just gets overlooked, and runners never fully learn about tempo running.
For experienced and new runners alike, the tempo run assignment can be a confusing thing. What does it mean to run a tempo run? Why do I have to do it? Is there really any benefit in doing it? These are all valid questions that even I, a seasoned runner, ask. Instead of asking the questions out into the void, or spending hours weeding through all the opinions online, I went to a trusted source: a running coach.
Scott Hill is a talented runner who coaches for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training organization. He’s coached many runners through marathons and ultra marathons along with being a phenomenal endurance racer himself.
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I ran my first marathon in the spring of 2007. There were medic tents located every few miles along the course. That made perfect sense to me however, I was utterly confused about the continuous offers of Vaseline on a stick. The medics had large tongue depressors with heaping dollops of petroleum jelly on the ends. As I passed the tents they held them out hollering, “Vaseline? Vaseline?”
My best guess was that runners must like to use Vaseline for lip balm to keep their lips from getting dry.
Somewhere around mile 13 all my curiosity was cured. I was passing yet another tent and ignoring the offer for jelly on a stick when I heard thundering steps behind me and a primal scream rang out, “VASELINE!!!!”
The male runner was doing some sort of bow-legged hop as he quickly grabbed the aid and proceeded to slather it all over his nether region.
All questions were then answered and I got my first glimpse into a dirtier side of running.
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September is one of the best months to schedule a marathon because of its decent yet cooler weather and the hustle and bustle of summer begins to finally wind down. Check below to find a marathon location near you. Good luck and train hard!
September 2011 Marathons:
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Summer is a great time of the year to run a marathon in most parts of the country. Check below for the July marathons close to you. Schedule your July marathon in advance so that you have something to look forward to and have time train hard properly. 
Top Marathons in July 2011:
- The San Francisco Marathon: This marathon, half-marathon, progressive marathon, and 5k are held in San Francisco, California on Sunday, July 31, 2011. The marathon is scheduled to have a waved-start schedule beginning at 5:30 a.m. and every ten minutes thereafter. If you have never been to San Francisco, this is your opportunity to do so. Head out and enjoy the scenery (jog across Golden Gate Bridge) while busting a sweat.
- Mad Marathon: Held in Waitsfield, Vermont on Sunday, July 10, 2011. This is the first annual marathon and half-marathon, and relay and these races are being deemed “the world’s most beautiful marathon.” The course travels through picturesque farmland, the Green Mountains, quaint towns, and even promises views of Vermont cows. They also brag that they Mad River Valley is not home to any fast food or chain hotels. The registration dues are $85 for the marathon, and the scheduled start time is 7:30 a.m.
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The month of June is rapidly approaching and if you have not scheduled your June marathon, you need to do so as soon as possible. Check the list below for the marathon closest to you!
Top Marathons In June 2011:
- Casper Wyoming Marathon: This marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay are held in the amazing city of Casper, Wyoming on Sunday June 5, 2011. The marathon takes place at over 5,000 feet above sea level (comparable to Denver), so prepare for that. For more information, please visit: www.runwyoming.com.
- Lake Placid Marathon: This race takes place in Lake Placid, New York on Sunday June 12, 2011. This marathon is ranked the #2 “best destination” race in the nation. The race is scheduled to start at 8 A.M., so please follow the link for more details: www.LakePlacidMarathon.com.
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