Sunday, May 25, 2008

To marathon, or not to marathon. That's the question.

I was sitting at the kitchen table reading the Non-Runners Marathon Trainer, and getting more and more excited.

But this thought kept nagging me: Why? Why would I want to run a marathon. Didn't I read somewhere the human body isn't really made for distances that long?

But I love the psychology that the Non-Runners Marathon Trainer is peppered with: about taking control of your life. As a mom of five children it's sometimes hard to feel in control. You never know when one of them is going to fall down and hit his head or something. Or where the next 'Mommyyyy!!!' is going to come from. I would love to be more in control of my life.

But then there's this other worry: I hate crowds. They make me feel claustrophobic. Then again, a mean little voice inside of me keeps whispering: you won't be in a crowd very long, what with your speed!

So I was just wondering: what motivates you to participate in a marathon? And does it have to be an official marathon? Can't you just run a marathon in silence, all on your own?

Is this a philosophical issue? If you run a marathon and no one is around to see you do it, did you do it?'

4 comments:

runningmussells said...

The best way to describe why I run marathons is a quote from the movie, "Spirit of the Marathon" ... (I may not quote this exactly right, but its something along these lines ...)

"It doesn't matter how little or long it takes you ... crossing the finish line will change your life."

And it does.

Anonymous said...

Hi runningmussells,

thanks, that's a great answer! But how does ik change your life? In what way??

Nicole

Kelly(M&M) said...

Hey Nicole,

It is not necessarily the marathon itself, but the training for me. I love proving to myself that I can stick with a schedule. I love doing speedwork and seeing myself get faster. I love starting my day off with accomplishing what my schedule says to do.

Then there is the actual race. I LOVE being with other people that I know have trained just as hard and understand my craziness!

I have enjoyed reading your blog! Good luck on your decision.

JP said...

I'm still deciding whether or not I want to do a full marathon or not, but for even the half marathons that I have trained for, I run because for the very fact that it is MY time. Something that is good for me mentally and spiritually and makes me a better person.

It does change your life.