Most people can train to run for 30 minutes, many can do 5K, lots can actually run (not just walk, run) 10k or 15k and there are those who can run, or run/walk (cover) HM distance but those are the ones of somewhat 'acquired' taste, aren't they? And then....then there's marathon - The Target, The Last Boundary, The Dividing Line. So, do we forsake fun in order to achieve the faraway distance? Run it all the way? At any cost? Is it doable? For all?
Running is a unique hobby. A largely healthy pastime accessible to most and it allows us to dream of possible achievements, feel more positive, can take us to different places and some of you enjoy meeting new folk in process.
I've read positive posts where people are grateful to be able to run at all, and many will celebrate various milestones. I sure did. There are some who will approach unknown tasks and distances with trepidation and awareness of their own limitations and who will eventually concede that some distances are off their limits but they will carry on and do what they can, while they can.
Distance brings reality, and reality can sometimes be harsh. Our bodies are built so that we can perform tasks to the best of our abilities, and they have limits. I also read of the folk who suffer greatly through their attempts only to crash and burn when trying longer distances in order to reach the marathon. And then quit running altogether because of disappointment and disillusionment. I managed to cover 42k because my built is of a certain way, suits me to run for longer and calmness brought by hours spent alone when running creates harmony between my mind and body.
Joy and fun have their limit and that limit perhaps should also be our final stop. I understand that we have different reasons for marathon attempts. Some do it for charity, bling & memories, some need to prove something to themselves, some are lovin' it, some are curious, some just 'want it', some are very brave and some simply jump in and go for it for no particular reason. But the stats actually show that majority of us will fail to reach 42k and I can't see that as a failure, running within the body limits and giving it all is never a failure, should never be cause for disappointment and self blame. It's important to view the attempt as a positive but also as the one that may not be fulfilled. I think we need to enjoy the process while it's still dominated by fun, for once the sensation of joy is taken out and miseries of fatigue and frustration are rolled in, then maybe, just maybe, it's time to pause, reconsider and reset.
Always try and be realistic, know your limits, view other guys as different runners not as points of direction or, worse, envy. Have fun instead, you body will respond in kind and you'll come back for more. And why wouldn't you?
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mrrun
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A lot of great reading. When I first started c25k I did compare myself to others not because of my pace or distance but because some weeks I would struggle and others were not and I wondered why me. But I have strong determination and wouldn't give up. So the plan is 9 weeks and it took me 17 weeks to complete due to having to repeat runs I didn't finish, but when trying again for a second or third time when I did finish that run I felt amazing. I may not run a marathon but for now I'm really happy running the 3 days I have stuck to since the very start and recently adding in a parkrun every second Saturday. So to finish I'm just so happy I can run its for me and nobody else and I don't compare myself to anyone anymore. 😊😊😊😊😊😊
When I got the running bug, mid C25K, I thought, yeah, I will probably go on to run a marathon, but you know, the runs I enjoy most are on my own, in glorious open countryside or plunging through woodlands. I really don't want to trudge city streets with thousands of others. It has no appeal to me.
I can appreciate the efforts of those who train for long distance events and applaud their application, it is a great achievement, but can't imagine that being cheered over the finishing line could actually beat those magical solitary moments when you feel totally at one with your body and your environment.
To be able to stop and stare in awe and wonder at natural beauty, while out on a run, is my approach, rather than pushing relentlessly onward to beat a pb or put a tick on the training plan schedule.
As you say, we are all different, and run for so many different reasons, but I believe more people would be better off finding the joy in the moment to put everything in their lives into perspective.......... mindfulness, to use the modern catchword.............rather than swap the oppression of nine to five for the tyranny of the training plan.
Targets are useful, but they are a means to an end. How sad that so many lose the joy of running and burn out after running a marathon.
Well done on your achievement and thanks for the post, as always, thoughtful.
I remember someone writing about difficulties of marathon training programs, their hard structure and necessity for determined commitment that often develops into boredom and resentment. This may seem silly but l genuinely enjoyed mine. It wasn't easy but l planned it around London's routes that through art, culture, and especially music, meant so much to me that l enjoyed following them and feeding from them. A pilgrimage of sorts! 😀 When mind is content, many doors will open, l find.
Interesting read! I have recently discovered the joy of running, embracing the beauty of the dawn & enjoying the solitude. I can’t imagine myself joining a pulsating crowd & running for miles for the sake of it. However I applaud those who attain these higher goals and envy their disciplined training. 👏
I can't imagine pulsating crowds either, I'm a lone runner and all my training including the actual 42k were done on my own, in solitude. My peace of mind, in my view, was more important to achieve and was my primary motive.
Thank you, mate. The key was to understand it all and use it to achieve something else. My wife said l could simply do something else, easier and simpler. Knitting, for example.
My work consisted sometimes of very long spells of just "wait and watch, keep silent". The hours would seem like centuries. We couldn't play cards or anything, too distracting. We couldn't listen to music on earphones because we had a radio earpiece that had to be monitored, we couldn't do anything that would take "eyes off" and things like whittling would leave a mess etc. So, I was suddenly aware one evening that my then girlfriend was able to converse, watch TV, keep track of cooking time etc etc while she knitted.
Eureka!!! Something to not only pass the time but also occupy the fidgets this former smoker would get because lighting up was out of the question.
So, tried to learn.
Have you ever ended an evening with a totally frustrated girlfriend who instead of "knit one, purl one" wanted to ram the associated implements through your eyeballs? I just couldn't get the idea of it and on thinking it over, knitting is probably a good way to impress the local WI - but not the "judicious application of violence" in a watchtower or similar confined and wrist-slashing boredom environment 😂
I only managed about two inches of a skein that looked rat-gnawed 😂😂
I did have an Aran jumper for years the gf knitter for me, but eventually, when the combined diameter of holes exceeded the combined area of wool, it went the way she did - fondly remembered but no longer in close contact. Wish I still had that jumper for the winters though
Oh dear. Well that negative post has cast further doubts over me doing my marathon in October. Thanks. A positive spin would’ve been more suited to the forum I think.
It's never my intention to be negative. I love, promote and encourage running, and here l simply tried to be realistic and, on the evidence, l doubt that l exaggerated. If l did, and if l in any case affected or discouraged you than I'm really sorry, that has never been or will be my aim. You have been training hard and know way better than me if you can do it, and l genuinely wish you all the luck.
I've never said that they all do, and that's never been the case. I actually believe that most of us who prepare long and hard will complete it. Your training is your best indicator. And reading your posts l have no doubt that you can and will also do it. And I'm sure you do, too. In any case, you should never be discouraged by my rambling post, so please, whatever you do, do not take me seriously. 😉
I don't see anything negative in that post...........in fact mrrun says "distance brings reality and reality can sometimes be harsh" which surely is just laying it bare.........the attrition rate of those who start marathon training is very high.........it is a fact, a reality that those who consider it would be well advised to acknowledge.
However, all those who struggled with W1R1 of C25K but went on to confound their own expectations by succeeding, know that a good training programme, cross training, good diet and moral support can achieve wonders.
No it’s brutal! I don’t know anyone who’s started marathon training and has dropped out but I’ve been close. Not going to let it beat me. There are several people in my club doing their first at Yorkshire in October. No one has quit yet and we’re all on our taper after tomorrow.
I've quit. I just cannot give the time needed for properly training. 26.2 miles is a brutal distance imho. I applaud anyone who soldiers on. I just don't want to turn something I enjoy - running - into a "fabulous achievement" because the price is too high for me. Even training for the HM had me quite frustrated and stressed by the end.
HOWEVER...I did enjoy the HM and I do believe if I lived in a better climate I'd probably see "how far" I could get to FM distance. But - its way too hot in summer and WAY too miserable in winter to spend that kind of time training outside.
There is a mystique about the FM - but once reached it's probably like other "Ranks", you are one among many and then you find out if it was the achievement itself or the cachet that goes with it that counts.
If the latter...well, ultramarathon, Barkley Race etc beckon next, but like Mr Run says there is a limit.
Me, I'm happy to quit while I'm still "happy"
This Running Lark really is a multi-layered universe with a very diverse population, isn't it
Yeah it’s not been the best tbh 🤣 If I did another one, it’d be a spring one with winter not summer training! 🥵 I think it helps that there are a lot of us training together.
I will never enter a Spring event again. Winters are just too vicious here. Right now though I'm teetering on the point of doing the Army Ten Miler again at Ft Bragg in November. Only thing stopping me hitting the switch is I'd be driving to it this time instead of flying, and snow could be a problem even that early.
Used to be I liked snow - gave me a valid excuse to sit on my rear end all day lol.
Vicious winters? There are some very cold ones in Scandinavia, l believe, and a distinguished gentleman from this forum trained inside underground car parks as a practical option during one of them. Lordi ? I thought that was incredibly cool. He finished his marathon.
I think we all can... if we want it enough. It's very hard to know your limitations until you push to see just what they are.
I never thought I'd finish C25K, or enjoy it. I never thought I'd run 10k or 10 miles, let alone a HM or 26.2 miles. Yet I've done them all and enjoyed them.
I still don't know my limitations, I've done 3 marathon distance runs now and intend to do more and maybe further...
When it stops being fun then it's time to rethink, but if you're having fun... go for it, just work with your body, not against or in spite of it.
Exactly. Mindset, enjoyment but also a few elements of luck. Above all, as you well know, preparations without compromise. You've done three? Absolute respect from where I'm standing. You're not stopping there. 👊
There is a huge difference between organised events (I simply will never do any of them), and us doing our thing in our own time. No pressure, own rules. Although l followed a program that loosely resembled what you did, l never felt under any pressure and instead of describing it as, say, gruelling or brutal which they are when faced with tight deadlines, l enjoyed going through mine. But then, l would never describe myself as fully normal, lol.
Its strange as I remember the things which jumped out at me from your run was you ending up feeling angry and wretched, and finding the whole thing "hellish" and "a torture of an event".
Guess it's like they say about childbirth; you soon forget the awful bits and just remember the joy 🤣🤣🤣
Yes, because I made serious mistakes, knowingly. The night before l went out, stayed out late, had some beer. On the day l overslept, the sun went up, it was warm and l wasn't fully hydrated. I was faced with something else that l had to do later on in the day so it all got tight - hence my lovely description of the final stages. But there were some terrific moments as well, of course. And safe knowledge and confidence that l could do it regardless. 😉
I love this post. I love the acknowledgement of how tough a marathon and it's training can be but I also love how you encourage everyone to celebrate each success and the joy of running! For me personally with my first marathon ahead of me in 2 weeks time, having it recognised as being tough is part of why I was inspired to try. I'm not doing it for the cheers, or even for the charity really.... although Macmillan is amazing so that is a factor, I'm running it to see if I can. (I have to believe I can though!) But I'm mainly running it in memory of my ex who died. Too young. I started running 4 months after he died and the process of the Cto5k helped me begin to accept his loss. Over the last 2 years running has been my saviour and whilst it was my loss that kickstarted running, I now do it for that sense of peace you can feel after or during a perfect run, where you are lost in memories or see a beautiful tree or feel the rain and appreciate being alive. That feeling is so powerful. I get those feelings on a 3k run as often as I get a huge sense of acomplishment from my 30k training run. I have ran a half marathon and 10k's and in 2 weeks I will be able to say I have run a marathon, in honour of the memory of my friend Glen. But the proudest most excited feeling will still be the sense of pride I felt when I completed the couch to 5k and got my graduated sign on this forum. You guys got me from falling to being able to breathe again.
Running is an amazing thing. ♡
Music blasting in my headphones, running 42k next to the sea will be a beautiful achievement in 2 weeks time. But just finding the joy of running and being alive is better than any medal. 🖤
I definitely feel connected after my runs. I'll have a random memory or a certain song will play as I struggle. I hope Glen is around as I run.... it was never his thing in life but he had a huge respect for nature and outdoors and he had a zen like quality of being able to just go at his own pace that I envy lol as it would help me loads with endurance training! 🤣 I've had all the conversations we didn't get to have on my runs! Hopefully he was part of it lol. Xx
I empathise with you fully, Claire. Although l started running through different reasons (realisation of my own mortality being one of them), I can see how through my own experience it can be 'connected' to losses, and how one's mind during running can 'communicate' with those who are gone on a normally never experienced level. Without sounding 'deep' or 'philosophical', l never have time to think and analyse during my busy life as much and as good as when I'm running long runs - away, alone, calm and composed.
I can't switch my mind off unless I run and as I progressed distance became the only way to do it. My runs are my time to think of him, awkward when it's an ex, and remember. They started off as me trying to outrun grief and regrets and hurt but I've now accepted we can't do that. We can only embrace the loss and make it part of us. I have had some moments where I'm sure I've felt him nearby.... maybe it's wishful thinking, who knows. Thank you for understanding. Solitary long runs, when my head and heart can switch off and just be are perfect. I envy you your lone marathon run. I'm not looking forward to the fanfare of Bournemouth but I will love the sea and I'm hoping the atmosphere will drive me on. But I might do my 2nd one like you and Jo do and just run it. XX
I enjoyed reading this mrrun , I have no intention of going great distances, but still want to be going great!
I know that for me I want my running to be a pleasant thing, not work, not something to need cajoling into, I'm pretty sure that if I got to that point I would probably stop.
Accepting that I am still doing a good thing for my mental and physical health, even if its "only" 25+ minutes 3 x a week, keeps me going.
During the summer I avoided the heat by getting up and out earlier than usual, as heat is an anagram of hate!!
I know you love it, but I suspect that you are part lizard 🦎🦎🦎🤣
So I totally agree with you, it's horses for courses, and thanks for posting this.
I do admire people who can run long distances, it impresses the hell out of me, but wanting to do it myself......
Part lizard? Haha, oh boy, oh boy.... Well, I don't mind lizards, they are funny and can certainly take it in the heat. And l LOVE heat.
You are doing it for all the right reasons and you seem to be in the right place. You've got your balance sorted out, like so many of us. That's how it should be! 😀
I love reflective posts from more experienced runners, and I love the discussion threads they produce, so thank you for this mrrun. As I move towards 10k, I’ve got lots to think about. 😊 It’s interesting in particular for me as I’m thinking I am really a solitary runner, even as I watch my C25k cohort having such fun generally at sociable events. Food for thought, as I trot along. Ta.
Sociable and organised events have their meaning and importance, they are there for a reason. But where l am, busy and hectic, l can't add onto it by putting myself under extra pressure of hardship and deadlines - in my own free time!? Hence solitary running. As I'm punching this post I'm also figuring out when and where to run today, how long for and which basketball top to wear. That's a very good day in my book. 😉
I did one purely for a personal challenge to myself . Yes it was brutal at times ( and that was just the training ) but the feeling crossing that finishing line was just amazing !
I read somewhere that running a marathon is like 'putting your body through a meat grinder', lol. And yet, we enjoyed large chunks of the process (training and the run), and are about to do it again. No wonder some classify us as 'unique', for better of worse....
I remember the evening when I had finished my marathon . Buckets of tea , lots of food , pain and thinking “ I am NEVER doing that again” , but next morning , I had completely changed my mind and thought “Yes , I’m gonna do it again next year “ !
By midweek , all my aches and pains had disappeared , the only thing was over the following weeks/ months , 8 of my toenails went black and fell off ! -Ewwww ! 🤢 xxx
For me, it's just become about running as part of my life, a time for me free from distractions.
I can possibly see me completing HM distance at some point, although whether that be at a formal event or just something I do on my own because it's how far I run on the day remains to be seen.
I have no desire, intent or interest in training for or running a full marathon; not even for the kudos of saying I had. It is something that simply involves too much investment of time and effort and a level of "seriousness" that goes beyond what I do for enjoyment.
And that's the key; I enjoy my running. Yes, I do get a glow of satisfaction when I run further than before, or for longer. Yes, I celebrate each time I shave some seconds/minutes of my previous best times. I don't, however have goals to do such things; I simply lace up, head out, and follow my feet.
Like most people, I needed the structure of C25K to get started. It broke things down into manageable building blocks. I probably didn't need JuJu's plan to get me to 10k, but again it gave me something to visualise my progress. Now, however, I just run. I have my long run, my middle run and my short run. They don't have set distances or times, they are just what they are at the time, and that's what works for me.
I have every respect for those that have the dedication to train to run marathons and ultras, but I'm not and probably never will be one of them, and I am absolutely fine with that.
Absolutely agree! Running for fun through enjoyment for wellbeing. Distances and times immaterial. That's the whole point of me saying 'be realistic' and basically do what makes you content. That's success!
In reality everyone who starts and completes C25K has run their own "marathon".
The definition of the word itself is "a long-lasting or difficult task or activity", which I'm sure we'd all agree, C25K is.
Everyone's individual "marathon" is very different. I've seen people go through journeys here that have required more effort, grit, and determination than it took me to reach 26.2 miles. The mileage shouldn't get the pedestal it does, it's the effort in my book.
So be it 5/10/15/20 etc miles or kilometers, just give it your all and your achievement will be all the greater for what you've put in. 👍🏻
As l said, if one's mind is content many doors will open. But I'm not convinced that all will, though.
I failed to achieve every single one of my childhood dreams, failed them all one by one. Never played for Boston Celtics or Chicago Bulls, never flew to the Moon or won a Formula 1 race, not even a tennis Grand Slam. Did l ever sell a stadium as a musician? Nope. What about Olympic gold at 100m freestyle? Nothing, that's what. Do my paintings hang at Tate Modern? What paintings? Do my books sell? Well, have l written any?
Considering all those fiascos I think I've done quite alright, actually, lol. I have learned my limits though. All of 'em. 😀
You have done plenty I-J, ( I have seen Old Faithful in action, it was worth the wait) Yellowstone NP is a wonderful place. I also ticked off another of my wishes on the same trip. Mount Rushmore !!!!! Wonderful.
Brilliant post mrrun , thought provoking too...I still compare myself to other people, always looking to see who ran what and how much faster than me on strava...but then I have a word with myself when I’ve cooled down and realise that maybe those that I’m comparing myself to are younger than me? or have been running longer than me? Lots of reasons can come into the equation so comparing is so unrealistic...but something I briefly can’t stop myself doing! Having said all that, it can’t really affect me because I still run...at my own pace, I set my own distance and I make my runs achievable...i know that I will never be able to run a marathon...I might be able to cover the distance in various ways but I would not be able to run it all...no way and for me, personally, it would take the fun out of running...and being a lone runner, parkrun feels busy so god knows how I’d feel at the start of a marathon?! Lots of people inspire me on here to do different things and the latest is Sadie-runs with her HM victory but I’m not sure I’m capable of that but I’m happy to watch everyone else!! Happy running mrrun, you do so well no matter how far or fast you go x
I sat down with a friend who ran London a few times, the recent one around 3.30hrs of non-stop running, machine-like, no walking. He's 60. I can't do that, it's beyond me, my heart would combust. I'm 55, it took me 4.40hrs with walk/run of the last 7 or so km. We talked perspectives, mind frames, training, interests, anything that makes those things happen. He loves (I dislike) organised events and couldn't figure out how on earth could anyone do 42k alone (some three times, like the inimitable GoGo_JoJo ). That made me think more about the importance of ability and individual differences, and inspired my post. We are all together but are different and unique/alone in what we do. That's reality and also the beauty of it all.
Aw shucks MC! 😊 But honestly, I am nothing special, I just put the training in that’s all. Am looking forward to just getting out and doing “dog runs” now ie just going out for a run for fun with no pressure on how far.
Great post, mrrun. 👍 I did my HM because I liked the longer distance runs, and wanted to try out an official race for the first time. I enjoyed it, but it did highlight to me that there is still some work to be done on this ole body of mine if I want to keep on with long-distance running. Two years of running and I am still learning new things. I love it!
I wrote about my c25k v Marathon thoughts way back - the gist being that I really believe c25k is harder than a marathon!
C25k is more achievable since because we are all different ages, many with other conditions that hamper running ability (weight in my case) c25k can be snatched over a short period. Long distance running needs a lot of time and good luck with avoiding injuries etc.
Anyway, here's the old post link. Not trying to hijack your thread MrRun but it may add something here as it is my experience of c25k to FM, having missed this thread originally...
I agree. Early stages of C25K were daunting. I couldn't breathe, legs were off.... Once you've reached the marathon platform most stages are firmly settled. It's the head that then runs the show, mostly.
Thank you! Good reason is a powerful key, whatever the reason may be. My wife is a skilled martial artist (and I'm her inferior sparring partner and a punch bag) who only does it for calmness of her mind (of course, there are also elements of fitness, self defence and attack), but for her that spiritual point is her driving force. That calmness during long distance running is my key.
Thank you mrrun.Your experience and contribution is so helpful.
We must deal with reality.You know the saying “Perception is reality”well if that is acceptable🤔then your hard won experience certainly is.
I will read the links by Jo and Gary/Lordi and everyone’s valuable realities and contributions.
Lots to think about.I want to find the clarity and driver to achieve this.
No plan for me.No formal event neither.After months of going through C25k,Bridge, HM and a suitable 4th leg build up will go one day for 4x10k loops from my door or 9x5k loops.Will make my own front gate a fuelling station.🙈🤔😂
Reward every 5k and trot all day until it’s done.
Sorry mrrun too much detail.Thanks for your help, your post will unravel my novice confusion.
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Are humans born sprinters or born marathon runners?
Thinking ahead 1/2 and full marathons 
Thanks all.
No ambitions to be a long-distance runner
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