I’ve been running and doing races for years now. I have completed numerous 5K’s, 10K’s, ten milers, half marathons and relay races. However, there is one question I am asked over and over again “Are you going to run a marathon?” The answer is no I have no desire to run a full marathon. Why you ask?
Why I won’t be running a marathon
Injuries
I’ve had a number of injuries the past few years and I am finally feeling healthy. I have been able to run longer distances again injury free for the past year. I plan to do everything I can to stay on the road and that means not risking hurting myself again by doing high mileage runs for months.
Workouts
I love my weights workouts, my kick boxing, cycling and my triathlon training. I would most likely have to give up some of those activities to train for a marathon. Strength training keeps me strong as I age and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice those workouts to have more time to run.
I love running
I love running! I love running with my friends and training for races together. I don’t want to ever not like running. I hear friends who are training for marathons say things like “I have to run xx miles on Saturday”. I hear them referring to their longer runs as a chore. I don’t want to ever think of running as a chore. Running is a gift that I treasure and enjoy and I’d like to keep it that way. When I get to about the 2 hour mark, I’m done running. I really just don’t want to run for 5 hours.
Social
I am very dedicated to my training and workouts and love the social aspect of them. I also enjoy the flexibility that training for a 10k or half provides me. If something comes up on the weekend, I can be a little more flexible with my schedule. Sometimes, I will get invited to try out a new fitness class or attend an event or go with a friend on a bike ride on the first sunny day of the year. I don’t want to feel so tied to a marathon plan that I am not able to enjoy other fitness pursuits.
Toe Nails
I like to have pretty feet!
I love running and want to keep loving running so there is no marathon in my future. Does this make me any less of an runner? I don’t think so. Do you?
Tell me-Are any of these reasons you don’t want to run a marathon?
linking up with Nicole
You know that I love running and training for marathons, but I also know very well that they are not for everyone. YOU DO YOU lady!
No not for everyone and I am totally fine with that 🙂
All good reasons not to run a marathon. My only counterpoint is that I’ve never done high mileage training for a marathon, and with Big Sur, there wasn’t much running at all since I had that pesky PF. I still have it but it’s manageable thanks to low mileage.
But I’ve only lost one toenail ever!
I still think of you as some sort of running super human 🙂
I love this post. I can’t say I’ve ruled out a marathon for me yet/ I keep going back and forth on whether or not I want to do one. I agree when you say you do a two hour run and then you’re done though- at this point that’s how I feel. Anything more and I get tired and bored. And I understand not wanting running to feel like a chore. Plus I agree that I’d probably have to give up some other things I love to train for it (namely OCR- hello injuries!) and I’m not sure I want to do that yet!
Exactly! I never want to not like running
You know, I am happy I did my marathon but am not sure I would do another one anytime soon. It does involve a TON of sacrifice including giving up strength training as your mileage increases. My body also hated me for a good month afterward 😛
Exactly! I just don’t have a longing for it myself.
I totally get this. I ran one marathon, but right now another one is not in the cards. I’m reserving the right to change my mind in the future, but that’s how I feel right now. Training did take over my life but I did keep all my toe nails… but ended up with this terrible blood blister (ewwwww) 🙂
I am so glad I did the one though- it’s one of my favorite life experiences.
I totally get not wanting to do it and don’t think it makes you ANY less of a runner :-))))
I totally agree! I just don’t have a longing for it and I want to keep loving running
Everyone has to make choices and only you can decide what works best for your body. You have very good reasons to skip a marathon and it does not change the fact that you are a runner. I have been feeling pressure to try a triathlon, but you know what, I don’t want to. The cross training is wonderful, riding my bike and swimming with a buddy, but honestly racing that does not sound appealing. Plus, I am afraid to go too fast on my bike.
You know what I applaud you for not feeling pressure to sign up for one. Yes the cross training is great and I love riding my bike too but if you are not feeling the bike racing why push yourself? You are still doing it even if you are not racing it.
I love your reasons!
I get asked that a lot and so far I have answered not right now. I love running but I’m not sure I can fit in the training for a marathon at the moment. It is a committment and at the moment I’m not sure I can commit to a 20 mile training run!
But I won’t say never! Just in case things change 🙂
Sounds like you are doing what works for you and enjoying the run for now
Um yeah, pretty much all of them! Although being a slower runner, I’ll be running 2+ hrs training for a half & sometimes, yes, it seems like a chore. Which is exactly why I take a break after each half — even if I have another one coming up quickly!
I agree! And breaks are important
I totally get that! I’ve only done a few marathons and definitely prefer the shorter distances. But somehow I keep getting sucked in again… one more this fall, maybe the last! 🙂
I think that’s what they all say! ????
I’m right there with you and completely agree with all of your reasons! Although, I seem to lose my toenails just in half marathons. 🙁
Good luck on your races and have fun.
Thanks and actually I have lost one training for a half too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by
Kudos to you for not feeling pressured to do something you don’t want to. These are all wonderful reasons not to run a marathon! You are a runner whether you run 30 steps or 30 marathons.
Thanks I totally agree!
I like my marathons, but I totally hear you on all these points! Marathon training can take over life and other workouts as well as make your toenails not so hot haha. If you are injury prone, it’s probably best to stick to shorter distances and cross training.
I agree! Thanks and have a fun weekend
completely with you on this! I still say the one marathon I did ruined me. Ok that’s dramatic but I haven’t been the same runner since. As I’ve gotten older I’m feeling the pinch so really enjoy shorter runs, more flexibility and my strength sessions – those get me up in the morning! But everyone should do what works for them. I’m not any less of a runner because I don’t have multiple marathons under my belt.
I totally agree. You will have to tell me about your marathon experience sometime.
All great points to not run one. And I certainly don’t think choosing not to run a marathon makes you any less of a runner. The jury’s still out for me on whether I’ll do one. Like you, I never want to feel like running’s a chore and I just can’t wrap my brain around running for 5 hrs!
I know it’s a long time!
Definitely NOT….I definitely understand your reasoning having run 3 full marathons myself. the 18 weeks of training is like having a second full time job. While I wouldn’t trade my marathons for anything, I don’t know that I’ll do another full either.
It does sound like a job and that’s not how I want to view it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I actually thought the same thing you did. I NEVER had a desire to run a marathon but basically because I never thought I could do it. I’m not a hard core runner and enjoy it mostly for the social aspect of it and traveling with family. But then something clicked and I wanted to complete it for the accomplishment. I have now completed 2 marathons and although it was hard work, it was very rewarding.
Just never say never, you may find yourself at the finish line of 26.2 someday!
I don’t think so but who knows!?
I signed up and completed my first half marathon 3 years ago. About a year after that, I signed up for a full marathon. I am so competitive with myself that I can lose sight of keeping my body healthy. I pushed my body too hard, too fast and ended up injuring my knees. It wasn’t anything too serious and I was able to switch from the full marathon to half marathon in that race. But, that experience taught me that I am not cut out for full marathons and I am okay with that! I love running and would never want it to turn into something that felt like a chore! Thank you for being honest!
That’s exactly how I feel! Sounds like you made the right choice for you in the end too!
Looking back I had many of the same issues with the decision to do a marathon. Training for such a distance truly takes over your life and if that is not for you, like many you should not do it. I hate the stigma attached to running that assumes you always want to go faster and farther. That simply is not true for many of us. Deborah, you have a great balance of workouts, running and healthy eating. You put marathon training in that mix and something will have to suffer. Stay right where you are because it shows you love what you do!
Thanks so much! I feel like I am in a great place too. I also dislike the pressure that is often assoc with running
I feel exactly the same way. Training takes up too much time and I don’t want to give up the other important things in my life – family, friends, tennis, etc.
Right there with you!
Such a great list! I have very much fallen out of running during training – I took almost a year and a half off after my 50k because I was just so burned out.
That is exactly what I am trying to avoid!! Thanks for sharing that 🙂
I agree! The thought of rolling out of bed to run a 22 mile training run just because is well…..for the birds! I like my pretty feet too 🙂 No marathons for this girl either!
Right there with you! I think we are both doing pretty amazing right where we are
I’ve done a few marathons but don’t plan on any more. I don’t plan to ever do a full ironman. And I am scaling back my participation in multisport events for the reasons you list. Getting in all the workouts has become a chore. I tend to skip strength sessions because I’m burned out from workouts. I want to have some playtime to get out and ride my bike with friends without worrying about “the plan” so much. And I would love pretty toenails, but I have lost hope for them…they were never the same after my year of marathons.
It can really take a toll on everything for sure. Happy running and biking 🙂
I am now on the far side of 37 marathons and I totally agree with you. Especially the toenail thing.
That is a lot of marathons! Wow
Marathon training does take a lot of time. Marathons are not for everyone and those are great reason!
Thanks! I am pretty happy with where I am right now
My biggest reason – I’m not a runner LOL. I actually have extreme laxity in both ankles so I’ve had too many issues just walking (or even standing still) when an ankle will give out on me. It’s so not worth the risk to me to start running.
Sounds like a good choice for you and a smart one!
Great post! I really enjoy training for & running marathons, but I totally understand why other people don’t…for all the reasons you mentioned. I do a lot of triathlons, so my running miles are never high as I cross train with biking and swimming, which helps prevent injuries. Thanks for sharing 🙂
That is exactly why I love doing tri races as well!
I get it. Plus it’s SO long!
It really is!!
I love marathon training but I know I’m in the minority 🙂 Just because you run doesn’t mean you have to race. Just enjoy the run!
So true thanks for stopping by!
So the next question is will you ever train for an Ironman? You wouldn’t have to give up your strength training or swimming or cycling since those are key workouts for the 140.6, and then your marathon would just come at the end 😉
Yes I have gotten the same question as well and I have the same answers 🙂
I won’t say I’d never run a marathon, but I will say I don’t think I’d ever run a road marathon…if I am going to be running 4+ hours I want to be on trails!
Trails are also a great option for some! Happy running
I think these are all awesome reasons to not run a marathon. But now that I have, I am on the elusive PR chase. I say that once I get it, I will stop. I can stop whenever I want to. Haha!
Good luck to you!!
I always think if you run, you’re a runner. It doesn’t matter how far you run, whether you run organised races or on a treadmill, whether you run fast or slow or whether you have a stack of shiny medals – runners are just people who run!
I totally agree!
Wow, I’m glad you posted this. I think I feel the same way. I’m still new to running, and even newer to enjoying it, and I really don’t want that happiness to go away because I have to run double-digit mileage on a weekly basis.
Yes exactly! Enjoy the run
No marathon for me either! The thought of running so many miles does not interest me at all, but I admire those who find joy in running that far 🙂
Yes it’s not for everyone and we should not feel pressure to do it if it’s not for us
Great list. I think a really important one is to keep enjoying running. I’m doing my first in January as part of the Dopey Challenge, because I really want to take on that challenge, and I really want to do a full once. But I know that’s just me. I have other ones earmarked to run, but really only if I enjoy doing a full. I know some people do and some dont. I dont know which I’ll be. If I do enjoy it, I’ll do other, but if not, I’ll keep doing the running that I do enjoy.
I will be really interested to read about your experiences. Happy training and keep loving the run
I totally applaud your self-awareness, and desire to continue doing what makes you feel good. Those are all definitely great reasons to stick to the distances you like!
Thanks! For me that is what it’s all about
It definitely does not make you less of a runner!! And marathon training does take away time from being able to do all the other fitness activities you do….. As for the long weekend runs, they were really hard, but doing them with a running group made it fun for me….there was something about going through that process together that I really enjoyed… that I look forward to doing again… Everyone should do what works for them… what they want to do… not to fit any definition.
I totally agree! I have loved training for other races with my group and it does make it more fun to be in it together.
I never thought I’d run a marathon either…now I’ve done four with two more happening in 2016 (one of which is an Ultra). You are SO correct in the time commitment aspect of 26.2 training. I have a Hal Higdon plan I’ve followed, but with flexibility. I cannot be confined to a “do it this way or else” regimen.
Good luck to you! Sounds like you have found a plan that works for you and your schedule
Love this. I don’t think I’ll ever run anything more than a 5K and I’m a-okay with that 😀
And well you should be! Happy running and thanks for sharing
I think you’re spot on. I’ve run over a dozen marathons, and I was just talking to someone considering her first marathon, and I told her “you have to respect the distance”. It does take time to train and be prepared. The half is so much more manageable and even that can put a lot of stress on body and time. If I ever do another, I want it to be totally for the fun of it….run, walk, take pictures, enjoy the atmosphere….but I’ll still have to train 😉
That sounds like a great plan! Thanks for sharing
I appreciate this post so much! I love running and have been an avid runner most of my entire life, although I have ran plenty of 5 and 10k’s I have never nor do I ever want to run a marathon. I don’t think most people get this but you just nailed my sentiment exactly!
Thanks so much! A full marathon is not for me either. Does not make us any less of runners. Stay happy and enjoy the run
Definitely not less of a runner. A smart runner.
Thanks! Happy running 🙂
I am with you 100% on this one! I don’t have the marathon bug at all.
Nice to hear! There seems to be a lot of pressure out there to do one and I am just not interested at all. Happy running!
All valid reasons to not run a marathon. Though even with running half marathons I have pretty horrendous looking feet. And don’t even get me started on the toe nail that I just lost yesterday. Should make running ZOOMA next weekend quite interesting.
OH yeah the feet! Hope you can find a way to wrap it up so it doesn’t hurt anymore.
This is great! I love that you own the fact you don’t do marathons. I’m with ya girl!
Thanks! I just don’t think it’s for everyone and that doesn’t make you or me any less of a runner. Thanks for stopping in and have a great day
I’m sorry, I had to laugh at the Toe nails one… My toes are not as pretty as they used to be before I started running…. callus, missing toe nails, and black nails.
All your reasons are perfectly respectable! I admire your running and your fitness dedication!
Thanks so much! Happy running day to you
This makes a lot of sense! I’m still trying to decide if I want to run a full marathon or not. I think the fear of injury is my big concern. But if I do decide to do it, I’ll know it’s because I want it and not just because it seemed like the next thing to do. It definitely doesn’t make us less of a runner!
Thanks! It is a personal decision for sure. No rush right?!