Apple's ongoing Heart and Movement Study, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and Brigham and Women's Hospital, has been shedding light on the physical activities of over 200,000 participants since 2019. Recently, the focus has turned to marathon runners and their training habits, particularly relevant as the Boston Marathon approaches.
The study's findings are inspiring for those who may feel daunted by the idea of running a marathon. By examining data collected from Apple Watch users, researchers have observed that even casual runners and walkers can achieve the 26.2-mile feat of a marathon, it just might take them longer than professional athletes.
Detailed data analysis shows that over half of the study's participants, who did not necessarily train for marathons, could complete the marathon distance over the span of 90 days at their own pace of regular exercise. This broad timeframe offers a more inclusive view of fitness, highlighting that marathon completion is about persistence as much as it is about speed and endurance.
Among the more dedicated participants, there was a significant difference in training intensity. The fastest 10% of runners covered an additional 16 miles per week compared to their middle-tier counterparts, underscoring the role of consistent, extended training in achieving quicker marathon times.
This study not only celebrates the diverse capabilities of individuals from various fitness levels but also motivates more people to engage in regular physical activity, emphasizing that the journey to completing a marathon can be tailored to anyone's pace.
