8 Reasons Being a Marathoner is Cool
As a first time marathoner, I wasn’t truly ready for what marathon training was going to feel like. As a former middle distance runner, I know one speed: fast.
The change in mindset has taken about a year to adjust to, but now that I’ve retired from fast-paced running, I’m fine with going out for a longer, slower run. It took me a long time to get used to this, but I’m there.
As an almost-35-year-old a decent amount has changed about me since I was a spry 20-year-old running for Villanova. For example, I no longer have hours on hours to relax, recover, and recharge for my next workout. Back in the day, I thought I was king at recovery – I used to park my butt on the couch for hours!
Not any more. No, no, no. Recovery and relaxing (if you can call it that) happen right before bedtime – after the dishes are cleaned, the baby is down and whatever else needs doing is finally done.
I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.Â
It makes training for a marathon a bit more difficult, but I’m not a professional and so whatever I can give to marathon training, that’s what I’m going to do. I knew training would take hard work and lots of energy – I was ready for that. I’m not sure I was ready for how tired I would be. I’m tired. A lot.
I’ve found that while the training is taxing and it takes away from my already non-existent social life, that there are quite a few perks of being a marathon runner!
- Remembering that I can eat anything and everything (healthy) under the sun.
- Becoming a nuun ambassador and getting all the hydration replacement I could ever need.
- Not having to worry about going out on the weekend. I’m too tired!
- Running clothes are the best clothes! Who needs new clothes when you’re in running clothes all the time.
- Sleep! Oh.My.Gosh. I forgot how much I love to sleep. 8 or more hours a night. Yes, please!
- Toenails? What toenails?
- Connecting with my foam roller and lacrosse ball. They’re so good at reaching knots and getting tight spots.
- Using videos on YouTube as motivation for getting out the door.
I’m inspired by all the moms, dads, busy professionals who pound the pavement a lot more frequently than I do and run marathon after marathon. Personally, this type of training is suiting me right now – I do a lot of long, slow distance and my body is handling the effort level. Running slower (than normal), and doing it for a lot longer is a nice change for me. I’m liking the difference in mindset from a former 5k runner to that of a marathoner.
No longer do I have to lace up spikes and hit the track. Now I can focus on getting quality runs in that tap a different training system. Of course, the perks of being a marathon runner far surpass being too tired to go out. The physical benefits are a tremendous benefit too.
There are so many perks to being a runner and even more for those of us training for a marathon. Sure, we’ll have a stronger heart, faster metabolism, and strong legs. But none of that compares to getting to share the miles with friends.
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I love your perspective as a middle distance runner transitioning to the marathon. I’ve only done 2 marathons and they take up so much TIME, but I definitely miss the perks of eating all the food and getting all the sleep after those Saturday long runs! Glad training is going well!
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Thanks, yes, so far so good. I know I’ll be a work in progress, but with that mindset, anything is possible.
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