Should I run a marathon?

Get tips on whether running a marathon is right for you in 2024

To Run or Not to Run a Marathon?

With new year resolutions right around the corner, running a marathon in 2024 is something that many are considering.

“Should I run a marathon?” Is a good question to ask before jumping into training. In some cases, the answer is no. You really shouldn’t make that goal RIGHT now. Just because you are physically capable of beginning your training, doesn’t mean that you always should.

To help you make the decision, here are reasons to run and not run a marathon in 2024.

Reasons to To Run a Marathon

  1. It makes our bodies healthier

  2. Pride in the achievement

  3. Learning that we can do more than we believe

  4. Experiencing new places

  5. Connecting with other runners

  6. Challenging ourselves in new ways

  7. Because we love to run

  8. Less than 1% of the population has done one, so it’s an elite crowd

  9. It makes us better employees

Reasons NOT to To Run a Marathon

  1. You want to prove you’re a “Runner”: Don’t run a marathon because you think that’s a requirement to be a runner. If you run, you are a runner. A real runner isn’t about pace or distance, it’s a mindset.

  2. You aren’t excited by the thought of running a marathon: Don’t run a marathon if you don’t want to! It’s a lot of work if you don’t already enjoy running even a half marathon. Trust us that once you’re out there, a full marathon doesn’t just feel like twice as long as a half marathon. It feels longer. You need to truly want this to commit to the training time and enjoy the experience.

  3. Your current schedule is packed: Don’t run a marathon if you’re already over committed in other areas of your life. It takes time to do it and not get injured. Not getting injured requires doing more than just running! Busy people train for marathons all the time, so it’s not impossible, but look at your life and be honest about how much time you can and want to give to it right now.

  4. Your primary goal is weight loss: Don’t run a marathon to lose weight. The unfortunate truth is that most first time marathon trainees gain weight because the body wants more calories due to increased activity. It’s easy to justify the delicious extra snacks to yourself due to increased mileage.

  5. You want your current social life to stay exactly the same.

    Don’t run a marathon if your social life is KEY to your happiness and none of your friends runs. It becomes harder as the miles grow to go out for late night fun when your Saturday is going to start at 5AM! Additionally, you are going to talk about running non-stop and need people who won’t throttle you for it. You can also resolve this by joining a local running group and making a new friend or two that have similar goals!

  6. You currently have serious health issues to overcome: Don’t run a marathon if you’re having health issues. It is unlikely to make them better. Marathon training can weaken your immune system without the right plan, coach, and nutrition.

  7. You honestly don’t care for running: Don’t run a marathon if you don’t enjoy running! Fall in love with running first because you’re going to be spending way more time than you know doing it, thinking about it and talking about it.

Your Daily Dose Of Usain⚡️

Usain signature pose in front of flag

Words To Run By 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.

Amelia Earhart
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