The Boston Marathon
I would say “To run a marathon” is on most people’s fitness bucket lists.
Can I just say, “I don’t get it?”
I just don’t have the running gene.
I love sprinting. I even enjoy jogging a couple of miles with Ryan when it is super warm outside.
But run more than five miles?!?
I think I would die of boredom before I hit 10….or stop and get ice cream.
Me.
But I’m definitely the minority.
So many people raise money just so they can run the Boston Marathon. While they are raising money for a great cause, most of them do it because they want to RUN. To them, running a marathon is a major feat of fitness.
But is it a major feat of fitness or just a major feat of stupidity when the average person runs one?
Don’t get me wrong, I can’t believe how freaking fast the top marathoners are. I honestly think they run faster than I even sprint. But they aren’t just recreational runners crossing something off their bucket lists.
Seriously, while it is “impressive,” is it stupid for the average person to run a marathon? I mean marathons are really stressful for your heart not to mention your body in general! Check out this post called ” Run for your lives.” (I think the title is super funny by the way!)
So can someone just explain to me why this would ever be on your bucket list? Why do so many people think that running a marathon is “badass” and a huge feat of fitness?
I just don’t get it.
Posted on April 16, 2012, in Man Biceps, Uhm?, Workout and tagged Boston Marathon, dangers of marathon, marathon, recreational runners, Running. Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.
Man Bicep 
When I ran my first marathon, I did so because I wanted to see if I could do it. Finishing it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Prior to running it, I had this idea of myself as weak and undisciplined and cowardly, but once you complete a really long endurance event like that, it becomes really hard to think of yourself in such ways.
I’m planning to run my second marathon at the end of this month and I am very excited/scared about it. One day I would also like to run fast enough to qualify for Boston and I would also like to do an ultramarathon. The reason for this is simple – I like to run for very long times. I enjoy pushing my limits. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. If it was just about being healthy or getting in shape, I wouldn’t do it. It’s about the challenge and the difficulty of it. I can’t speak for others but that’s what it is for me.
“I enjoy pushing my limits.” Now that…I definitely understand.
I swear I must have been something that had to run a lot in a past life and now have an aversion to it! haha
All the more power to you if you can! Good luck with your second marathon Caitlin!!! 🙂
What a cool video! 4:46 min mile for 26 miles is unbelievable.
I think all the dedication and training for an endurance sport like a marathon is bada$$ for sure! I started running 6 or 7 years ago…no ….started shuffling i should say…. and entered my first 5K- finished in 36 minutes. UGH. what a snail. Then I decided to beat my time. I was only racing myself and only entered the events for the free T-shirt and snacks at the end(which are mostly gone if you run as slow as I do!). At one point I wanted to run a 1/2 just to push myself….because I always need a goal to keep myself from getting moldy. But my left foot started falling asleep around mile 2(guess they were bored) …so i decided to set another goal-triathlons (the sprint ones!).
Crossing the finish line in any event becomes addicting. Good Luck Caitlin on your 2nd marathon and ultramarathon! That is dedication!!
Have you done any tris?
Thanks! And good luck with your triathlons! I’ve done a couple of duathlons and I have to say, multi-sport competition is SO FUN. I’m going to do my first triathlon later this summer and I’m really looking forward to it.
That is an awesome video!! Great post!
Well, it used to be on my bucket list, especially after reading Born to Run, but since I’m on crutches after running a 5K on Sunday, I’m rethinking that. Running is just not my game.
Hope you get better soon!!
I guess it depends on what you consider the “average person.” As a runner, I’m definitely average when it comes to speed (aiming for 3:35 in my first marathon, or about 8:12 per mile). However, I’ve been running CONSISTENTLY for 5 years and have finally decided to run a marathon. I’ve been training smart and doing plenty of cross training (I lift heavy twice a week, which most runners do not do). I feel like I am well prepared to run my upcoming marathon without injury. It is something that at this point in my life I really have a desire to do, whereas in the past 5 years I have never had that desire. And I would not consider myself stupid. However, I do think it is very unwise for a person who has never ran, or ran very little, to say they are going to run a marathon with a short amount of training time, just to say they have done it, especially if they hate it. They set themselves up for injury and may not even continue running once they meet their goal. Just my thoughts.
Great point! Good luck in your first marathon!
Mark me as a long distance runner because I just flay out like to run. I get excited about going for a run in a way I don’t get excited about lifting or whatever.
Hey do whatever you love! 🙂