There is misleading information about using marathon training as an effective way in losing weight. Maybe before explaining if or if not marathon training burns body fat, it is important to understand the different energy systems used in any kind of physical exercise. There are two main energy systems that are in use whenever a person is workingout no matter what type of physical activity one is involved in. You can either use anaerobic or aerobic energy system. The main difference between these energy systems is in the amount of time involved.

Anaerobic energy system takes a short time and therefore uses readily obtainable energy in your body. This usually takes less than three minutes and a good example is running as fast as you can across a football field. Aerobic system on the other hand takes longer, usually a couple of minutes to hours. In aerobic training the body breaks down body fat for fuel as soon as the readily available glycogen has been exhausted. Aerobic exercise is anything that involves endurance training such as marathon running, hiking or even cross country cycling. Since it takes a while for stored body fat to be converted into fuel, aerobic system is usually gradual process and that is why it is recommended for slow but long endurance exercises.

So, back to the question, is marathon running a good way to help in weight loss.?

Yes, but caution must be taken. Here is why, marathon running involves very demanding training that can take a toll in your body systems if you are a beginner. Of course, it gets better the more a person does it, however one must train for marathon cautiously with a well designed program. The main challenge in marathon lies in training than actually in running the marathon event in question. Burning extra body fat in marathon comes through sound training than running marathon itself. Training volume will use up most of the extra body fat that one is trying to lose.

A good marathon training plan should be used to avoid possible injuries associated with marathon training. As a beginner if are planning to use marathon to lose weight , make sure you have been cleared by your doctor. Because marathon demands high level of fitness, to reduce the chances of encountering running related injuries, it is important to work on your strength components as well. Overtraining is the greatest drawback in marathon training, but with a good coach or well designed marathon training plan, it can be avoided.

Due to the fact that running or training for marathon is a high energy demanding exercise, it is important to pay close attention to your food. Most people get it all wrong by cutting down on their food consumption just because they are trying to lose weight and end up with other problems. In order to burn fat, your body needs energy. Remember a healthy permanent weight loss is a slow process, and marathon training if used properly can give you just that. Just make sure you start off with a reliable marathon training plan. Learn more marathon training tips at marathon training plan site