MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: Many college students exercise regularly, and many people run around campus. Unfortunately, there is a very small percentage of college-aged athletes who compete in marathons. This might be due to a lack of awareness about this distance and because information about training for marathons is widely dispersed. This comprehensive guide will combine information from many different outlets to provider runners with the tips and information they need to successfully tackle one of the hardest distances in the sport: the marathon. The guide primarily focuses on eight major elements of running and training. It explores how to pick a race, training plans, cross- training, strength training, nutrition, safety, equipment, and race day. To display this information in an engaging manner, lists, bullet points, charts, and FAQ’s are used throughout. In most sections, I offer my own advice and/ or experience to add a personal touch to the informational guide to remind readers that college students can train for a marathon. The guide uses information from many accredited elite runners, elite coaches, and elite sponsors, ensuring the highest-quality information and training strategies.
(WC-168)

Reader’s Profile: The audience consists of college- aged runners who run at least 15-20 miles a week and are looking for a new running challenge.

Reader’s Response: This guide offers a lot of information about different elements of running needed to make your first marathon a success, but how do I know this information is credible? Does the author have any experience herself? I’m not sure I can commit to training for a marathon while being a college student, given my homework, classes, social life, and work. Is it realistic for college students to train for a marathon while in school? Maybe I’ll start a training plan to see what it entails and if I can fit it into my life. I also didn’t realize how expensive running was, paying for shoes, facilities, nutrition, gadgets, and race registration. I wonder if it is possible to train for a marathon at a lower cost, as college students are not made of money.

K, using a combination of your authority as a new marathon runner (this can be more encouraging, really, and is called the beginner-encouragement gesture) AND outside authority can help you with your reluctant reader.

Local connection?

Also, not sure I see your ABT statement in the abstract?

What sort of citation will you use?

ANT statement: Running a marathon can be hard and test not only one's skill, but also their character. However, there are many resources available to help runners reach their goal of running a marathon. Therefore, this comprehensive guide complies many aspects of preparing for and running a marathon successfully.