Last week social media was alive with rejection and acceptance for Virgin London Marathon 2014. Most of those rejected were inconsolable and outraged; others were relieved and some were astounded to receive rejection packs as they couldn't remember signing up in the first place! Those accepted were overjoyed and overwhelmed - this weeks discussion subject is
What is the big deal about running a marathon!
I did comment that in the current situation of everyone receiving rejections this weeks subject should be sub-headed "Light the blue touch paper & run in the opposite direction".
We also had a big marathon weekend last week - Berlin, where the fastest ever marathon was run and Loch Ness, a very popular event if Twitter is anything to go by and so is this weekend with Chester and Bournemouth to name but a few!
Running a marathon, to me, is a huge undertaking. Hours of training, getting nutrition in the run up and on the day right and it's a flipping long way. I've only done one half marathon and that was enough. How anyone can run 26.2 miles is beyond me. I have absolutely no intention of running a marathon, I'm not sure I could even walk one without stopping off at a pub for a pint! I have numerous conversations with people about having run a half and it being time to step up to the full distance and even take it further. Non runners do not understand the commitment it takes to run long distance, they think you run a couple of 10ks, a half marathon and then off you go - smash out a marathon in 4.5 hours! They don't understand that you have to spend weekends running between 15 and 20 miles in the run up to an event.
Runners are a little more understanding, if they've trained and run a marathon they will be encouraging but do back off once you get into conversation about the commitment. Marathons are not for everyone.
So what is the fascination with marathon running. It's obviously challenging and extremely satisfying. Not being a marathon runner I thought I would ask my brother's opinion. After all, he is a marathon runner now having run several Brighton, London and Loch Ness - his response was
"The big deal about running a marathon I guess is you versus the 26.2 miles and the level of training and commitment to get to that one day, ready to run; and then on race day believing in your training and knowing it will probably hurt. The whole thing from day 1 to the finish line is a mixed bag of emotions from dread to elation"
I have to admit, having spectated at several Brighton Marathons it is extremely exciting to see everyone run past and the atmosphere is amazing. Readers of my blog will know I'm not the quietest of spectators, but I have been thanked on many occasions for the support I have given at a crucial part in the race. I'm not sure whether the excitement comes from the energy pouring from the runners, or if the spectating public are just in awe of the sheer determination of those running past them!
Of course all sporting events are a great way to raise money for charity and marathons seem to strike a chord with people who sponsor/donate.
Why do you like running marathons?
Leave a comment and enter the debate - your comment could win you a prize.
Head on over to Run With an Idea Debates and see what the other bloggers are saying.
About Me
- LilB
- Wife (to Shaun), Mother (to Danni), Dog walker of Archie the JRX, improving cyclist, reformed gym bunny, broken runner Collector of exercise DVDs & equipment. Cake is my weakness together with cider (Westons only thanks)and brandy. Noisy spectator of running & cycling events. Owner of Tribby the campervan
Having never ran a marathon, I can't comment too much on the topic. But, I agree with your brother's quote. I think it is something that is all consuming for many weeks (similar to our half training), and then getting to that day and hoping all your training will pay off. I am not too familiar with the VLM, but how do they determine whether you're accepted? Is it time? Or is it random?? Either way, if you didn't get in to that one, surely there would be another one nearby that you could still race . Right??
ReplyDeleteHey Jen - yes it must be similar to all training for long distances. The VLM is the London Marathon and is done on a random ballot. You apply in April and wait until October to see if you get a place. Otherwise you have to find a charity place, where you have to commit to raising a certain amount! Yes there are others at about the same time and at other times of the year obviously, but there is some kind of kudos amongst runners that London is one to "tick off the list"!
DeleteGreat debate. As you know I ran Loch Ness last weekend, as I crashed through the finish, I swore never again but a week later I'm planning my next. Training for a marathon gives you a purpose, and you have to make positive changes in your lifestyle in what you eat and drink how you sleep to take on such a challenge.
ReplyDeleteFunny that - I said never again after Brighton Half - but yes here we go again - if I'm repaired by then! Well done at LNM :)
DeleteI don't like running marathons. There I've said it. I've run 6. Trained for 8. And I am 4 weeks away from my 7th. I like training for marathons. I like having something to target and head for, something which takes my mind of the rest of the day. I'm caught in a nightmare trap. I don't know how I got here. I wanted to run one marathon. So I ran London. I got injured at mile 17 but still finished. So then I convinced myself that I should do another to prove that I can "run" one so I ran Berlin. And then the idea was sown. You've done 2 majors, why not do all of them. So I did Chicago. But alas I'm not quite fast enough Boston. So I have to run another. So I run Brighton in the UK. Still not fast enough. So I entered Athens. The marathon that started it all. It's all UP HILL! No Boston time there. Going to run New York in November. And now they've added Tokyo to the major list. I need help. I'm trapped. I am a minimum of 3 marathons away from being able to stop now.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick - that made me giggle! I think a lot of people would agree that they hate running marathons. I think that running itself is fairly addictive and so in the course of things the events we run are too! There's always that score to settle - I'm the same with shorter distances. I need to run Brighton Half again next year to get the time I was supposed to run but didn't because of the back problem. I need to run Parkrun again to beat my 5k pb, I need to run Brooks 10k again to run it better and so it goes on! Good luck with your next two marathons - will be great to hear where you go after!
DeleteI think the big deal about running a marathon is that it seems so impossible, but through months of hard work and dedication it becomes possible. I've run 1 marathon and I'm running my 2nd this weekend. Crossing that finish line was such an empowering moment and made me feel like there was nothing I couldn't do. I rode that high for weeks.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your 2nd marathon Kacie - I think I must be lazy, or just know I haven't got a very good support system, I can't imagine having the time, or energy to train for a marathon let alone run one! I always have runners high after each race I do, it lasts a few days and then it's on to run the next one, or enter something in the future. Well done on your commitment I have the utmost respect for anyone who goes further than 13.1 x
DeleteI admire anyone that has the courage to run a marathon! Good luck Kacie! Stopping over from Running Bloggers-Darlynn@ The Little Blog Dress
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Darlynn - I have the utmost respect and admiration for marathon runners (and ultra and Ironman & everything that goes further) too. It's just not for me - not particularly fussed to be honest - I know I wouldn't be able to do it justice so absolutely no point in putting myself and my support network (hubby, daughter & parents) through the agony !
DeleteTo be honest the only reason I keep upping my distance is to see if I can do it. Also, afterwards I like to show people the route on a map and say 'look how far I ran today. LOOK AT IT.' and then they humour me and tell me how great I am until I leave them alone :) Superficial, I know!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky - I've given up trying to impress those around me - most of them, apart from running friends and family, are on a whole unimpressed with distance or routes. All I get is the usual negative comments about injury and running being bad for you - probably why I'm never likely to run further than 13.1!
DeleteEach time I am getting up on a cold Sunday morning to do a long run, I vow - never again! But the sense of achievement when you cross that finish line gives you rose tinted specs, and before you know it, you have entered again :) And of course the wonderful spectators - you rock xx
ReplyDeleteI think atmosphere has a lot to do with running marathons - although I'm not sure how the ultra boys and girls do it, often with no supporters apart from at CPs and the start/finish. I have total admiration for anyone who's got time to give up 4 hours running on a Sunday morning - I would so much rather be laying in bed or sitting on the sofa watching a movie. On the other hand, I love to watch you guys and I love the hugs I get from sweaty bodies and see those lovely beaming faces when you spot me in the crowds :) You rock more xxxx
DeleteI enjoy marathons for the training clinic.It is great to be able to share my passion for running with other like-minded people and cheer each other on as we run longer and stronger each week. Also there is some sort of bond the occurs after running 20+ miles in the rain that is hard to duplicate with non-runners.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I think camaraderie between runners is one of the best things about either training or being in an event. Personally, I can't imagine myself ever having to run 20 miles or more in the rain - 13.1 is way enough!
DeleteI agree that its the level of commitment that makes it such an accomplishment. I feel like I could go run a half with my normal daily runs nbd. It might not be super fast but I'd get it done. A marathon however has required a whole lifestyle change to accommodate the long runs, the longish during the week runs, the feeling that if I miss one I am shortchanging myself, etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by and commenting. I really enjoyed the longer runs I did for my HM training, and even doing a 10 mile event a couple of years ago. The level of commitment to train for further than a half though is so huge and I think it takes a particular kind of person to pull it off - which just isn't me. Now with the injury I can't see me ever going any further than HM so I would be really foolish to attempt longer, I would fail after the first longer than 13 mile run !!!!!!
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