Anyone NOT wanting to run a marathon?? (Read 1521 times)

I don't want to run a marathon. I don't even want to run a 5K race. I just want to be able to go out and run 3-4 miles every other day to build a better aerobic base. I'm very slow. I don't care. At least I no longer sit on the couch while my husband goes out to run.

I don't want to run one, either. I am happy doing 10k and the half, I am too slow to run well in a 5k, and the distance does not appeal to me anyway. I do not honestly love running, though it does make me feel better: I am more motivated by having certain time goals I want to achieve. It is not really a social thing for me; I do most of my running alone. I think we all have our own reasons for starting and continuing to run. I tell myself I do not want to commit to the amount of time it would take to train properly for a marathon, even though it takes just as much training for a half if you want to run to your potential, somehow it doesn't seem as bad. I cannot explain this rationally! There is a certain appeal to running a marathon, everyone knows what the race is, but non-runners have no notion of what a half marathon might be, except it sounds much easier, so does not earn the same respect. I will be just as happy running a good half as a mediocre full. Simon.

A lotta good sentiments here! I was a runner for 3 years before I even ran my first race. Even if there were no races, I would still run for fun. Contrary to what some people have said elsewhere, you don't need to run any races to enjoy being a runner, much less run a marathon! I ran a few thousand miles before my first race just because I wanted to run. Also, remember that life is a journey. It's not necessarily a straight climb to the top of the mountain, but it's simply where your feet take you. Life isn't about some mythical idea of progress unless you mean progress from this moment to the next moment. Don't judge yourself against other runners or other people -- do what is possible for you and you alone because nobody else can be you. Good luck!

- and I'm gonna go back and do some trail running instead of hitting the streets and pavement all the time. That should keep me occupied for a little while.

Trail running is great. It keeps you healthier, it makes you stronger, and it keeps your mind occupied better than street running. Plus, there's no traffic and the air is fresher. How can you go wrong?

I know so many runners who ran for years before trying the marathon, and of those who have been running for 2 decades or more, almost none of them jumped into the 26.2. I think that says a lot.

Your support and opinions have completely validated my decision, once again, thank you.

She likes us... she REALLY likes us. Speaking of validation... the only validating you need in your running... is from you. Neat thread, great people, sound words of advice. I really like this place a lot too. (pullin' up chair to settle in next to Chrissy)

Joy; I see it in your face. I hope to meet you someday, cewickbe. At a 5K!

Oh, come on, you should meet her someday at AT LEAST a half marathon or it's not worth meeting!

Cewickbe: Okay, now that we've all shared a big slobbery group hug over the joys of not running marathons ... let me at least toss out the other side. Your job now is simple: learn to love running. Run whatever you want as fast (or slow) as you want, to turn it into not just a habit but a privilege. The goal of all new runners should be just to learn to really like it. If you ever think "Oh, I *have* to run 10 miles today" you're on the wrong track. When you wake up and say "I *get* to run 10 miles today" you're going in the right direction. When you find yourself pissed off that you couldn't go run 20 miles, you're almost there. I'm still very much in this phase, trying to make it such a part of my life that I can't do without. I wish every new runner would just run for the joy of it before they ever pick up a running book or try a running plan. There's a great post that's been put up a couple times (Scout? You got that link?) about this Norwegian (?) guy who turned into a world class runner doing that. He spent years and years just running the hills for the hell of it, enjoying every minute of it, getting faster and stronger - before he ever tried competition. I think every runner should be like that guy. BUT ... but don't limit yourself, either. Don't rule out the marathon (or beyond). As much as I believe everything I just wrote ... I think there's indescribable magic in the long distances. A marathon turned me into a runner - experiencing that one good race is what gave me a love of running. There is something really magical (and sometimes ridiculously painful) that happens at mile 22 of a marathon. It's where you find yourself, find out what you really are. I can't even really explain it, but the marathon is the only thing that really fires up my imagination. Every one is scary and exciting and a triumph, and the worst ones are sometimes the best ones, and the ultras are going to be better yet. There is just something out there, when you're past what you think you can do and way outside your comfort zone, that's hard to find anywhere else. And I think every marathon addict knows it, and its why they keep coming back. So just don't rule it out for someday. If you get the first part right - that bit about learning to love running - you may want to try a marathon or 2 or 20 someday, and you may love it beyond words.