If you are considering running a marathon, here are some sure-fire ways to tell if you’re not ready, or not the marathon type. If any of these 6 points really hit home for you, take a tip from TLC, “Don’t go chasing marathons, please stick to the 5k and 10ks you’re used to”!
1. YOU GIVE UP EASILY:
So, yeah… there’s nothing easy and quick about training for or running a marathon. It’s a real time commitment to put in the miles and hours it takes to get ready for a marathon. Most marathon training programs are about 4-6 months and over 500 miles of preparation. So if you’re prone to throwing in the towel or not seeing things through, marathons likely won’t be for you. Not to mention, 26.2 miles is a long way to run if you give up easily!
2. YOU PRAY FOR RAIN SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUN:
You have to love running to stick through a grueling training schedule and race. When you look at the forecast and pray for rain so you get to avoid your long run… that’s a problem. You should train your mind to get excited about the challenge of those runs. Also, if it rains… run! Running in bad conditions trains and toughens your mind. What if it’s raining on race day; wouldn’t you want to be prepared for that? If you look for every excuse to not run, you’ll find them, and you’ll be in for a rude awaking come race day.
3. FRIENDS AND FAMILY QUESTION IF YOU’RE TRAINING ENOUGH:
Seeing a theme here? It takes a real commitment to train for and complete a marathon. Sure there are some fit-freaks that could go out there with minimal training and finish a marathon, but that’s a select few. For us mortal runners, when race day is coming and your friends and family wonder if you’re still going through with it, that’s probably not a good sign.
4. YOU’RE IN CONSTANT CARB LOAD MODE:
Eating right to stay fit and fuel your runs is extremely important. If you are not willing to take your diet seriously and you think you can eat all the cupcakes and donuts you want because you’re running a lot, you may be surprised how that impacts your performance. 10 pounds of excess weight can be a huge drag while racing. Do some real research into proper running nutrition and how to carb load the right way leading up to a race.
5. YOU GET WINDED WALKING UP A FLIGHT OF STAIRS:
Nobody says you have to sprint your way through a marathon, just finishing one is a huge feat! But it does take a basic level of fitness to travel that far in the time limit. If you get winded walking up a flight of stairs or trying to get up off the ground, you’re definitely not fit enough to attempt a marathon. Sticking to a training program will help boost your fitness readiness for the big race.
6. YOU DON’T KNOW WHY YOU’RE RUNNING IT:Every runner completing a marathon usually has a “why”. Their reason that keeps them focused and helps them stay dedicated to training and going the distance. Maybe they are running for their health, or for a sick or passed loved one, or maybe they just like to challenge themselves and see how far they can push themselves. Whatever the reason is, without knowing your “why”, it’s going to be tough to give it your all, or not give up.
So, do you have what it takes to run a marathon? We hope so, but if not, don’t fret, most people don’t. 5ks to half marathons are a ton of fun and can still really challenge you.
If you passed this list with flying colors, check out our post: 10 Signs You Can Run a Marathon
