Training for a marathon can be tough. There may be times when you wonder why you ever wanted to do it. Here are my Top 10 Reasons to run your First Marathon:
Sense of community
The running community is a tight knit group. There is an even smaller group of people who attempt to run a marathon. When you decide to run a marathon, you'll find these people in your local running groups. You can meet up with them and do your long runs together, building a support team with other runners. If you are going to run a local marathon, you can run together on race day and support each other on the course.
Escape the rigors of everyday life
When I go out for a run it's just me. It's a time to think about what happened during the day, dream about what I want in life, plan for what's coming later in the day, or just listen to some really cool music. You'll also have a sense of purpose, a reason to get out of bed and go for a run. You'll be striding toward a goal and meet the challenge head-on.
It's cheap
The only piece of equipment that is required is a good pair of running sneakers. Yeah, you can buy the cool water bottles and heart monitors, but you don't need to. The only real investment you need to make is in a good pair of sneakers.
You can run anywhere
That's one of the joys of running, no heavy equipment or gear to carry around, just a pair of sneakers. It's also fun to explore new cities, you get to see the area on foot instead of from a car or museum. You can sign up for a local marathon or one that is in a city you have always wanted to visit. The marathon will give you the reason to take that trip you've been putting off for years. Marathons are held all over the world and in cities near you.
You don't have to run
You can walk, all or part of the race. It doesn't matter how you do it as long as you cross the finish line. It can actually be easier on your body to include walk breaks in your race, saving your energy to make sure you cross the finish line. If you are really fit, you may be capable of running the entire 26.2 miles. Either way, it's OK if you run the entire marathon or walk the entire marathon.
You can run at your own pace.
When you run alone, it's just you out there. You can run as fast as you want or walk as slow as you want, it's up to you. You can speed up to catch up to a friend, or slow down to wait for a friend. You can change your pace throughout the race, running at a steady pace, walking through the water stations or uphill, running downhill, and running hard for the finish line.
Running is Healthy
Because you are training for a marathon, you will eat healthy foods and think about what you are eating. You'll want to feed your body with foods that fuel it because you are burning so many calories. And when you are planning to run 26.2 miles, you don't want to be carrying extra weight, forcing your body to work harder. You'll build strength and flexibility. You're doing regular cardio exercise which is good for your heart. Exercise boosts your mood for hours afterwards. It can also help you sleep better at night.
It's a challenge
Who doesn't like to challenge themselves? If you don't a marathon is not for you. If you do like a challenge, then you've met your match in a marathon. It requires physical, mental and emotional strength to get through 26.2 miles. Most important, it requires the right attitude. Not many people have every considered running a marathon, let alone do it. You'll be among a small group of people who can say they ran a marathon.
Sense of accomplishment
When you finish a marathon, you feel like there's nothing you can't do. You remember the struggles you put your body through during the training and the pure joy you feel when you cross the finish line. Everything in life can be related to a marathon.
It's Fun
Yup, that's right; it's fun to run a marathon. There are so many people that come out to watch a marathon and cheer you on. They'll scream your name, play loud music, and just cheer for you as you pass by. You'll also meet other runners along the way you never knew before that day and join together, cheering each other on to the finish line.
