Reasons NOT to run a Marathon
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Introduction
As a man approaching 40 I thought running a marathon would be a great "feather in cap" reality before the joints get too old. But what I didn't realize was the training alone would be a full-time job not to mention I have one of those and two babies at home who need my attention...ANYHOW I'm still doing it for "feck sake" IT will be my FIRST and LAST one (if I make it!!)
1
Joints...not the ones you smoke
My joints hurt. Once I crossed over the 2 hour training mark my body told me I should have taken up swimming instead. Plenty of ADVIL and a glass of vino seems to be the short term cure.
2
Time away from work
Can you imagine the time involved in training...when you can do nothing else but RUN or workout? Thankfully, I own the business but if one of my employees told me they wanted some time off to train...knowing how much is needed...I would have to say NO WAY JOSE!
3
MADNESS in my mind
When you're out there the brain will have figured out almost all the world problems, your love issues etc. BUT without an IPOD, it's very difficult to tell your mind to shut-up and just breathe...EMPTY brain-EMPTY brain...running is not like Yoga!
4
SELF DOUBT
Training ALONE is not the best way to do it. Without anyone pushing you or encourging your progress it's hard to stay motivated especially when injuries occur or goals aren't reached. I'm counting on adreneline and mass crowds to keep me in the game on Marathon Day
5
Becoming ONE of THEM
Ok let's say I finish...that's cool. Believe me, I hope this process brings me to a happy ending but once I'm part of the club will the world see me as some kind of freak?! After all didn't the first marathoner who ran 26 miles plus 385 yards from the city of Marathon to Athens die once he finished...is this crazy long distance Ok for humans? We'll see....
Sounds like the training is mental as much as physical. A wise man once said that the only obstacles that exist are in our heads. When Kelly and I are running and I say that, she tells me to shut the hell up. You'll make it John.
You have this to look forward to...
Endorphins, with opiate, or morphine-like, properties.
Keep it up and they will come....
Endorphins, with opiate, or morphine-like, properties.
Keep it up and they will come....
You sound like a "good to the last drop" kind of guy; my money is on you!! (finishing, not winning LOL)
John;
Quit now. You are obviously looking for reasons to stop. My daughter has run five marathons, and I never heard her say anything like you've said here. Don't listen to these people; they don't know what they are talking about. None of them have ever run a marathon. It's easy to give encouragement when you don't have to do the work yourself. Instead of the nineteen mile training run this weekend, take your family to a park and play with your kids. You'll get way more out of it.
That voice in your head? It's a midlife crisis; you are forty, just get past that shit. Run a marathon, buy a Corvette, have an affair, it's all the same; you don't need it, and it won't get you where you want to be.
Quit now. You are obviously looking for reasons to stop. My daughter has run five marathons, and I never heard her say anything like you've said here. Don't listen to these people; they don't know what they are talking about. None of them have ever run a marathon. It's easy to give encouragement when you don't have to do the work yourself. Instead of the nineteen mile training run this weekend, take your family to a park and play with your kids. You'll get way more out of it.
That voice in your head? It's a midlife crisis; you are forty, just get past that shit. Run a marathon, buy a Corvette, have an affair, it's all the same; you don't need it, and it won't get you where you want to be.
don't listen to ol' hippie. i've run a marathon, and was inspired to do so by all of the people who didn't look like marathoners, but put their mind to it and did it. old people, overweight people, awkward people. i thought "they can do it, i can do it". and i did. i feels good to make the accomplishment. and training is MUCH harder than the race. the race is exciting, inspiring and fueled by adrenaline. you could stop training now and you will be able to finish the race. promise.
just don't do it again.
just don't do it again.
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, you were 25 years old; you had good knees and hip joints, you were single, and you were surrounded by several of the most annoyingly dedicated and disciplined young people on the planet.
John doesn't really want to do it, and I was just pointing out that no one else really cares, and it won't make him young again. It's a guy thing.
John doesn't really want to do it, and I was just pointing out that no one else really cares, and it won't make him young again. It's a guy thing.
I ran my first and last marathon when I was 41. It was great when I finished. Even almost 20 years later I still have a small sense of accomplishment.
what marathon are you running? When is it?
I used to run but now I just glide.
I used to run but now I just glide.
Old fart? Well, gee......I have never ..................... hmmm ......... actually that's a pretty accurate description. Know thine own self.
I have an idea, John; you are in S.F., right? I'm sure that if you post a place and time, Kelly and all of your supporters will be delighted to come out and train with you, and then you can run the marathon as a group and give each other support. I'm sure they would all love to feel the thrill for themselves all over again.
What's 15 years, Kelly? You are very cute. I'll ask you this again in 10 years. LOL
I have an idea, John; you are in S.F., right? I'm sure that if you post a place and time, Kelly and all of your supporters will be delighted to come out and train with you, and then you can run the marathon as a group and give each other support. I'm sure they would all love to feel the thrill for themselves all over again.
What's 15 years, Kelly? You are very cute. I'll ask you this again in 10 years. LOL
JOHN
How is it going? Have you become ONE of THEM? How are the almost-old-but-no-not-even joints?
Please keep the LazyChair athletes informed.
Inquiring minds would like an update.
How is it going? Have you become ONE of THEM? How are the almost-old-but-no-not-even joints?
Please keep the LazyChair athletes informed.
Inquiring minds would like an update.
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