To Marathon or Not to Marathon.....That is the Question

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Frankart on March 6, 2010 at 5:20pm

Yep...what everyone else has said. Not only is Richmond a great marathon in itself, but not having to deal with all the other logistics of travel is a big bonus. If you train with SB MTT as others have suggested, you will have run the entire course at some point in your training. That's a pretty big advantage in my opinion. I did it in 2007, without nearly as much experience as you have.

Don't try to remodel a bathroom or any other major home DIY project during the 5 months you're training for the marathon. Something will end up neglected. Ask me (or my wife) about this if you need more info.

I will point out something though - I always saw the marathon as sort of a pinnacle of running...a progression if you will. I had this idea that beginning runners should run 5ks, then 10ks, then work their way up to half-marathons and eventually full marathons. I no longer believe this..in fact, I passionately disagree with it. I like the medium distance races - 10k up to half-marathon. Proper training for shorter races takes just as much time as a marathon, its just a matter of what type of training is most needed. I no longer see a marathon as a rite of passage for runners.

My personal philosophy is that I probably won't do another marathon unless I have a realistic chance of qualifying for Boston. I see my first marathon as one of survival.

Good luck in your decision.

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Permalink Reply by Janelynn Testerman on May 17, 2010 at 11:31am

I’ve never run a marathon, not even close. But I really like this advice.

You don’t need a marathon to reach supreme physical health or as a pinnacle to running. While you do need to be in excellent physical health to run a marathon, you’re taxing the heck out of your body. The reason why marathon training programs only run up to 20 mile is cost/benefit. At 20 miles you’ve developed the strength and stamina needs to finish the marathon while avoiding the most risk to your body. Marathons chew up muscle along with fat, not to mention their toll on joints and time in your life.

A marathon is run more for its mental health benefits more than for physical health benefits. Everyone should do something awesome. Is this an awesome event on your “bucket list?” Would you likely do a marathon just once or run them a couple times a year as part of how you define yourself?

For giggles: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/26/27-marathons/

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Oxenham Allen on May 17, 2010 at 3:31pm

I agree with this. I had the same feeling as you do, at an even older age (46). I had always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do a marathon, but had put that goal away until I finished the Richmond Half last year (my second Half after Patrick Henry last year). I decided that I wasn't getting any younger and I was never going to be in better shape to do it, so I went ahead and ran the Shamrock Full. I'm glad I did, and I plan to run the Richmond Marathon this year.

Obviously, you have to be in good physical condition to run any race, but with the snow and child commitments this year, I actually felt like I was in better physical condition for my two Halfs than for the Shamrock. A marathon seems to be more of a test of mental health and willpower, provided you are conditioned enough to do the 20-mile training runs.

I say go for it and see if you like it. I still prefer Halfs, but I am only 15 minutes away from qualifying for Boston, so I am going to give it at least one more shot!

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Permalink Reply by Steve ooC on March 7, 2010 at 9:30am

Maybe this is too much feeling, but I think if you are inspired---you should do it. A few years ago, I was not an advid runner, but slowly starting to run and enjoy it. Now, I think I am a little crazy(or so I'm told), but I just love the thrill of challenging my body/mind/spirit. I am running my first marathon in two weeks in va beach, and I feel like the biggest challenges have been 1.the unknown, 2. training, 3.injuries. I wish I could be training more and doing the things I need to do--its for sure a situation where you need great focus and commitment, but also you need to keep your injuries to as minor as possible. My best month of running happened to end with my knee's going crazy. Because of that the past two months I've had to trade some of the time i'd like to invest in running, to doing some physical therapy to make it to the starting line. All in all, its been an experience that I would not trade ever. I wish you all the best and if you are looking for a hollywood spin or inspiration--check out the movie "Saint Ralph". Best of luck...

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