As your races increased, people's comments probably got more interesting. Then the day comes that you are talking about all 26.2 miles of your marathon (just in case that co-worker wanted to know how far THIS particular marathon was this time! ) And of course the normal re-action from a non-runner is "Oh, I could never do that."
1.Well, the truth is, I really feel any able body person can indeed run a marathon (or half marathon). Notice I said "able" body. If you are injured or have injuries do as I say not as I do! I think people are just SO overwhelmed with the thought of running such a long distance that they don't think it could ever be something they could do.
2.Yes, there is the training and that can be hard. It can be hard to give up things you are use to doing in exchange for an early morning run, so it takes dedication. Dedication to the plan and your goal. You can let very few things side track you when training for a marathon (or half)
3.The miles are long, and you might not be able to go as far as you want (right away) or as fast as you want but you have to know that you WILL make it happen and in this instance you will need determination.
4. Sometimes it can be boring. I can remember running 22 miles in the snow by myself eating frozen GU and Honey Stinger Waffles that were so cold they nearly broke my teeth but I stuck with it because I had patience.
5. So I truly believe that if someone is willing to give Dedication, Determination, and Patience, to the cause of training, then they too can run a marathon or half!
I write this post for my friend who thinks he can not run a half marathon. I know he can do it. He just needs to remember that the goal is to just finish. You don't have to be a rock star of a runner to run a half marathon. You are a rock star just for signing up and making it to the start line! Oh, and when you cross finish, that's pretty darn awesome too! -M
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday 5
I agree that with the right training (and injury prevention) anyone should be able to complete a 13.1 or 26.2. It does sound overwhelming but your confidence grows with each successively longer run.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Totally agree that anyone can do it! The goal is just to finish. They just got to want to do it and believe they can do it.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin needs to read this. Her older sister and I have been trying to get her to do a Disney half, but she says she can't run that far, and she's being stubborn and doesn't want to do run/walk. We're still trying to get her there.
ReplyDeleteI think long distances races can definitely be intimidating at first, but I find that I'm always amazed when my body can do things I never thought possible. But training plans are designed to build you to that distance gradually, and the body adapts! All it takes is that first step! If I hadn't taken the first step in deciding to do my current training plan, I'd probably still think it was impossible for me to do.
ReplyDeleteIn think the right training is the key! Training just enough and not over doing it and slowing down! It's all about finishing not winning the race
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what people are capable of when they train and put their mind to it. I thought 5km was so hard and that I would never run more than that and then I did a 10km. But I have since said I could never do more than that haha.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with every word of this. I was one of those people that said that I could never do it. What I really meant was that I didn't want to. Once I turned that corner of wanting to, I proved to myself that I could. As long as the time and patience are there, the distance will be as well.
ReplyDelete@heatherlas
Great post. It can happen, if you let it. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to convince a friend about this regarding a 5K right now. With time and training, you'd be amazed what you can do!
ReplyDeleteI was one of those people that said I could never do it...then I found out Disneyland had a half marathon and I signed up without ever even running a 5K. I was scared for entire training that I wouldn't finish. Now I tell people all the time that anyone can do it. You don't have to look like an Olympic runner to do it!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to let us know if you convinced him to try!
ReplyDeleteEvery year, the day after the Chicago marathon, a local radio station interviews people who didn't train for it. I'm always amazed at how well some of them do considering that they haven't trained. Of course, they feel like crap after....but anyone can do anything they put their mind to!
ReplyDeleteWhat's that Henry Ford said? Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right! I believe this to be true. I think persistence and patience are so key in running.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that an able bodied person with the desire to run a 1/2 or a full and is willing to commit, they can do it!
ReplyDeleteI remember after I ran my first half thinking that if I can do this, pretty much anyone can. You just have to be dedicated and really want it. Crossing that finish line is definitely awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think the key thing is you have to really want it. It's not something you can do without being determined to get it done. That said, I think that yes, most people could do it if they worked at it.
ReplyDeleteI remember saying the same thing to my personal trainer 4 years ago - a half marathon seemed... FAR! 23 of those later :) sometimes it's just getting out of our own way or as Erika said, having the desire. If running isn't interesting to you - then no, you can't do it. It's all in the mind as much as in leg strength and endurance.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that the hardest part is often just signing up! Although I haven't run any marathons (god, I admire you for doing so!!), I was absolutely terrified when I signed up for my first strongwoman competition. I never in a million years thought I would be able to do something like that, so I totally surprised myself.
ReplyDeleteI think "can't run" usually means "don't want to run". Which is fine...running is not for everyone. People should use the correct words.
ReplyDeleteI agree, as long as you put the work in you can do it.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you, for the most part, as long as the will is there. Training for any significant distance can be tough, grueling and soul-sucking work, and if the desire is lacking, then the whole thing falls apart. Your friend is lucky to have you encouraging him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. I really do feel that ANYONE can do it (as long as you don't have any serious medical/physical issues, of course). To me, running is just as much mental as it is physical, and if you make the commitment and dedicate yourself to putting in the training -- and, like you said, have lots and lots of patience -- then it CAN be done!
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