On Sunday November 2nd, I will be competing in the New York City Marathon. I’ve run NYC once before in 2004. This will be my 8th marathon since the birth of my third son…an average of one marathon a year.
Lately, several people have asked me “Are you crazy? Why would anyone ever want to run a marathon?” Sometimes I ask myself the same question! Particularly when I have to get up out of my warm bed to run!
Oddly though, once I am up and out I really love it. Why do I run marathons?
1. Because I can.
2. Running reminds me I am alive.
3. It forces me to challenge myself.
4. I get a huge feeling of accomplishment.
5. To set a personal goal and achieve it.
6. Running is solitary – I enjoy being alone.
7. Running is social – I enjoy being with friends.
8. There is opportunity for travel…there are marathons all over the world.
9. Awesome endorphin rush.
10. Running marathons sets me apart – I feel unique.
11. There is nothing like the feeling of completing a marathon: a sense that you can accomplish anything.
12. Running is cheaper than therapy. I work through my personal problems. (And there are a lot of them!)
13. Mental toughness…can I do it?
14. The incredible feelings of elation, joy and euphoria. Combined with the feeling of serenity after a run.
15. Running gives my life more balance.
16. It increases my self-confidence.
17. A 16 week training program gives each week structure & routine.
18. When I don’t run, I miss it.
19. No matter how busy I am, I always manage to find time to run. The busier I am, the more I get done.
20. And oh yeah, it’s great exercise!
I stayed home with my kids. I was lucky to have the choice. But it was harder than I thought it would be. I had little time for myself and I was just someone’s mom or someone’s wife. I guess I sort of lost myself. Running gave me back myself. It was convenient, inexpensive and I didn’t need to join a gym to get back into shape. Running helped me re-charge my batteries. It gave me more energy and more patience with my kids. It made me a better parent.
I’m not suggesting marathons are for everyone…or running for that matter. But it is important not to lose yourself in your kids…not to define yourself solely as a mom. Being a parent is a wonderful part of who you are but it’s not everything. Get out there, move your body and reap the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise. You’ll look better and more importantly, you’ll feel better for it. A balanced life makes for a happier person. And isn’t that what life’s all about?
Happy trails!
Disclaimer
The way to optimal health is to combine good sensible nutrition with consistent strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Consult with a physician before embarking on a new exercise plan. Stop immediately if you feel any pain while doing these exercises.
I am going to start training for a local marathon and I am using a program developed by Marrius Bakken. It’s a really good system, I am just throwing it out there for those who are interested in a good system.
Found this post on a search, but don’t see your update. How did it go? I’ve done the half but can’t mentally fathom a full!
Hi there,
I found this site that has free online training programs for Marathons, Skinny Jeans, Triathlon whole bunch of stuff, and mom specific workouts that you can do at home, saved me…so now I am spreading the news. Check them out http://www.mypypeline.com. They even have a coupon on there so you can try one of the workouts for free.
Susan your post almost makes me want to don my runner and head out the door. However my legs are so sore from using my Wii Fit I don’t know if I could make it past the mail box! LOL
hi susan, my goal is to run a 1/2 marathon in Ottawa this spring, I gave birth to my son on Nov.11th, my question is when can i start training again without the risk of injury?
I keep a set of weights and a step up platform near my laptop and do 10 reps of a total body exercise between answering e-mails on my computer or between categories for entering contests. It has helped me tone up and lose 10 pounds.
while i haven’t been running the past few years, my goal is to start again this week (coolrunnings – from couch to 5k program)
Susan,
Great post. I ran my first half-marathon this Spring, and at various times in my training program I ran for each of the 20 reasons you give. One other reason I did this was to show my kids how important fitness is, and how their mom rocks!!!
Good luck next month!
Good luck, Susan!