Believe it or not, the bathroom scale can play an important role in your preparation for an upcoming marathon.
If you happen to have a few pounds to lose, tracking your weight over time gives you another measure of fitness besides time and distance. According to peak performance online, the energy cost of running is about 1 calorie per kilogram per kilometer, meaning you'll burn an extra 93 calories over the marathon distance if you carry an extra kilogram (2.2 pounds). If that doesn't sound like much, just strap an ankle weight on your back next time you run long and see if you don't notice a difference. Imagine carrying 10 extra pounds!
The scale is also important in monitoring dehydration. Make it a point to always weigh yourself before and after long runs. This is a great tool that tells you exactly how much to drink. Try to prevent losing no more than 3% of your total body weight on any long run.
(c) Dave Elger 2008 All rights reserved
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