For many students running around the ISU campus, jogging is a preferred way to stay in shape, but for others it is much more.

There are many students at Iowa State training to run a marathon this fall, which is 26.2 miles. The race requires not only intense physical training but mental toughness; the average race takes between four and five hours to complete.

Joy Carroll, senior in genetics-Liberal Arts and Sciences, has never run a marathon, but is training for the Twin Cities Marathon, which will be held in October. Carroll said she follows a training plan that alternates between long distance runs on the weekends and shorter distances during the week

“I do long runs every two to three weeks,” Carroll said. “Each time, after 10 miles, I increase my distance by about 2 miles per run.”

Although training is important, Carroll makes a point to listen to her body.

“If my legs are really tired, I take a day off,” Carroll said. “Lots of marathon runners over-train for their first marathon and get injured before the race.”

Corey Ihmels, director of men’s and women’s track and cross country, has a lot of experience with running long distances.

Ihmels said one of the first steps toward reaching long distance running goals is proper fuel.

“There are a lot of good ways to fuel your body before a long run,” Ihmels said. “I think the important thing is to make sure to eat something that you are comfortable eating and that you have used in the past.”

Along with eating familiar, nutritious food, after-workout fuel is vital.

“It is very important to refuel shortly after your long run,” Ihmels said.

The distance runners trained by Ihmels use every bit of the fuel they consume during training sessions.

Many of the athletes on Ihmels’ team run upwards of 100 miles a week.

“Our longest run of the week is on Saturday, where we have athletes running up to two hours,” Ihmels said.

He said those training for long distance runs face both physical and mental challenges,

“I think it really becomes a combination of both aspects,” Ihmels said. “You have to be prepared mentally but also have the physical capabilities to excel at long distance running.”

For runners wishing to increase their distance, patience is key.

“I think the biggest thing is to be patient. Try not to increase your mileage more than five to 10 percent each week,” Ihmels said. “It’s going to take some time to feel good and enjoy your daily run.”