A marathon elevation chart helps you judge how difficult a course will be for you.
An elevation chart can be the key to successfully training for a marathon -- particularly if you have never run the course before. The chart is a cross-section of the terrain you will run. It includes all the hills and valleys, the spots they will be in and what altitudes you will both start and finish at. Knowing read the chart will help you prepare for the race even if you live a thousand miles away from the course.
Instructions
1. Look at the vertical axis of the chart. The numbers on this axis measure the elevation in feet in relation to sea level. The numbers along the horizontal axis correspond to the miles along the marathon course.
2. Examine the peaks and valleys carefully. Remember that the chart is a scale-model cross section of the course you will run. The larger the peaks and valleys, the more numerous the hills you will encounter.
3. Consider the number of hills, how close they are to each other and where they are placed on the course. This will help you to train on similar terrain, even if you do not live near the marathon course. It will also allow you to plan run the race. (i.e. If hills are bunched near the end of the course, plan your race so as to conserve energy early that you will need late in the race.)
4. Factor in the steepness of the hills. Use the elevation chart to plan out where you will need to conserve energy in order to have enough for the uphill inclines on the course, keeping in mind that long downhill portions can sap your energy as well.
5. Take note of the elevation of the course in relationship to sea level. If the course is distant from where you live and at a significantly different elevation, you should prepare for that is well. Air is thinner at higher altitudes. If you live in the flat plains states and plan to run a marathon in the Rockies, the chart can help cue you to the need to add some altitude training to your other race preparations.
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