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Friday Five: Five Reasons to Run a Marathon

October 23, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC49 Comments

It is marathon season and in honor of our collective love of running, we decided that this week, our theme would be five reasons to run _____. Obviously, I’m writing about the marathon because they are awesome and also because Mar is running her first on Sunday! I’m so excited for her and for Nevie, and Kristen and Sue and Helly and allllll of my other buddies who are also running MCM. If you’re running shout it out because I’ll be there cheering! Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. Have a great weekend!

Five Reasons to Run a Marathon

 

  1. The sense of accomplishment. Running a marathon is a wonderfully amazing physical feat. When you inevitably cross that finish line, you will be beyond proud of yourself. Setting a goal and accomplishing it — whether it takes 3 hours or 4 hours or 7 hours — is one of the best feelings in the world. I honestly think that when that goal is a marathon, it feels 26.2 times better.
  2. Your confidence will grow. While training for a first marathon, every long run is a new mileage record. It will likely be your first time running 16/18/20 miles. You will feel like such a rock star each time you ramp up to the distance to a number that previously seemed impossible to you! After the race, you will be able to think: “Hey, I ran a marathon. I can do anything.” At least that’s what I tell myself multiple times a day. 🙂 
  3. You will make new friends. While training for a marathon, chances are you will find a training partner. You will start to see the same runners on your trails. You may join a training group. Or maybe you will somehow stumble across other runners who are training for the same race as you are. I have met so many awesome folks while training for and running marathons, and you will too. You may even be as lucky as I was and come across your very own race angel. A lot can happen in 26.2 miles – I’d be surprised if you ran a marathon and didn’t make a new friend!
  4. You will inspire others. In the 11 months since I ran my first marathon, I’ve inspired a coworker and my husband to both sign up for the marathon that was my first (The Richmond Marathon, if you’re looking for a great race). I’ve inspired another coworker to run his first 5k. I have started a running group at my church. It’s pretty awesome to be able to share my love of running with others, and I guarantee you’ll do the same when you train for a marathon. And yes, a part of that will be because you will talk about it all the time…but that’s cool, right? :).
  5. You will feel justified in eating ALL THE THINGS. Now I’m gonna be honest. Most people don’t lose weight while training for their first marathon. It’s really hard to lose weight while you are running ALL THE MILES. What typically happens is you’ll gain lots of muscle but won’t really lose any pounds because you are hungry all the time. Don’t stress it – you deserve it! At least that’s what I tell myself 🙂 

A version of this post originally appeared on Women’s Running magazine. 

What are your five reasons to run _____? I can’t wait to read em! And good luck to all racing this weekend!


Comments

  1. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    October 23, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    I get to eat ALL the things! YES! I can’t wait until I finish my first marathon because you can be SURE that I will be eating ALL of the things! HA! Thanks so much, Courtney; this is great! I’m getting more and more excited about my race and I’m so looking forward to cheering for you and your hubby as you complete Richmond!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Five Reasons to Run a Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 24, 2014 at 11:36 am

      thanks tara — the food part is pretty huge 🙂 have a great weekend, friend!

      Reply
  2. Sherry says

    October 24, 2014 at 12:35 am

    Those are great reasons to run a marathon! I like the being justified in eating all things reason lol. I haven’t run a marathon yet, but I’m planning to. 🙂
    Sherry recently posted…Five Reasons to Run a RaceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 24, 2014 at 11:37 am

      awesome – have you decided which one?

      Reply
      • Sherry says

        October 24, 2014 at 9:21 pm

        Not yet. But it will probably be local like the Portland Marathon in OR.
        Sherry recently posted…Five Reasons to Run a RaceMy Profile

        Reply
        • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

          October 26, 2014 at 9:45 pm

          Local is nice because you have fewer logistics to deal with!

          Reply
  3. Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine says

    October 24, 2014 at 5:06 am

    I love the marathon, and its my favorite race to train for! I definitely feel so accomplished after running 26.2 miles! I will never forget the feeling of completing my first- I really did feel like I could do anything after that!
    Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine recently posted…Five Reasons To Run A Half-MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Coco says

    October 24, 2014 at 6:15 am

    These are great reasons! Of course, I have 26.2 reasons not to! Or maybe 13.1 since I could do the first half OK. 🙂
    Coco recently posted…5 Tips For Staying Active While TravelingMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    October 24, 2014 at 6:51 am

    So awesome that you’ve inspired friends and your hubby to run. Do you think you can inspire mine?
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Reasons to love a Relay RaceMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Mar @Mar on the Run says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:21 am

    Eek!! I’m gonna cry when I see you. I know it 😉
    Mar @Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Why I’m Running Marine Corps!My Profile

    Reply
  7. AMP runs says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:23 am

    #5, definitely!!! Great list 🙂
    AMP runs recently posted…Friday Five: Five Reasons to Run a Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  8. MCM Mama says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:24 am

    My problem is I ran my last marathon in 2010 and I’m still eating all the things… Oops.
    MCM Mama recently posted…5 reasons to run the Marine Corps MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Haley @ running with diapers says

      October 24, 2014 at 7:48 am

      LOL!!! I feel ya on that!
      Haley @ running with diapers recently posted…Five Reasons To Run Best Damn RaceMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:34 am

    Yesssss to all your reasons!! During this whole training cycle I would think “this will be my last marathon this will be my last marathon” but then there are times, when I say “sign me up for my next one”
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Reasons to Run a Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Haley @ running with diapers says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:50 am

    I love all the reasons you’ve listed. But I think my favorite is the confidence boost. It’s amazing how I feel like I am capable of so much because of what I’ve accomplished in my marathon training. It’s liberating!!!
    Haley @ running with diapers recently posted…Five Reasons To Run Best Damn RaceMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Lesley says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I’m one who was inspired by others doing Disney races. Before that, I ran but I didn’t enjoy it.
    Lesley recently posted…Friday Five: Five Reasons to RunMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:25 am

    Eat all things…oh yea, I’m planning where i am going to have my celebratory meal as we speak 🙂
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Friday 5: 5 Reasons to run a Marathon!My Profile

    Reply
  13. Jennifer lefforge says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Love today’s Friday Five! My favorite of yours was the inspiring others part. I had no idea when I started on this journey how much that would happen. It’s a blessing and a privilege!! Great post!
    Jennifer lefforge recently posted…Five Reasons To Run A Marathon!My Profile

    Reply
  14. Kimberly says

    October 24, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Great post! I run because it’s a challenge for me. I’ve gotten better at it throughout the past year, but it doesnt come easily to me so that’s why I like to do it! I just started running half marathons this year (I have my fifth coming up on Sunday), but I hope to run a marathon in 2016 after I have more experience with half marathons.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:09 am

    I’ve set a goal of running my first full in 2016. This post makes me feel so excited to begin that journey!
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…5 Reasons to Run a 5KMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:17 am

    Who doesn’t love having an excuse to eat all the food?!? I don’t think I’m ready yet for a full, but if/when I ever am, I can’t wait to have this excuse!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – October 24th – Five Reasons to Run a Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:40 am

    I’m running my first marathon next weekend, I can’t wait to eat all the things! ha ha

    Reply
  18. HJ says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Great reasons to run a marathon. I can’t decide what I love more, all the friends you make or all of the food you get to eat. It is a tough call! Even though it tends to take over my life I love the marathon.

    Reply
  19. Carmy says

    October 24, 2014 at 10:37 am

    yes! you always make new friends when racing/training!
    Carmy recently posted…Five Friday! Five Reasons to Run a 5kMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Jenny @ TurtleStride says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:08 am

    Ha, I didn’t think twice during training when I would devour a pint of ice cream. I ran twenty miles, I deserve it 😉 I was definitely teary eyed when i crossed the finish line after my marathon last week. The sense of accomplishment is very overwhelming.

    Reply
  21. Chaitali says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:47 am

    I loved seeing this list! I’m not sure if I’m going to ever do a full marathon but I’m going to run a couple half marathons first before deciding! I’m thinking it might be a great goal for my 40th birthday year in 2017.
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – reasons I race/runMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Heathers Looking Glass says

    October 24, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    Haha I love the eat all the things. I always gain weight when I’m marathon training!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:48 pm

      I do really love no guilt eating – one of the best things about marathon training!

      Reply
  23. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    October 24, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I agree. Eating all things and not feeling guilty about it is great!
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…The Dangers of Fall Running ( 5 Reasons to be Cautious on your Run)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Its so great! Congrats on marine corps!!

      Reply
  24. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    October 24, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Reading this just gave me the chills! As you may know, I am embarking on my first marathon in January! I love your inspiring words!

    That is great that you inspired your hubby to run a marathon!

    Lacey will be running MCM on Sunday too!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      I hope Lacey had a great race — it was a bit warm, but such a great atmosphere. I’m so excited for you 🙂

      Reply
  25. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    October 24, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    Great list. Always love a reason to eat all the things. Justification for the win!
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Reasons to Run Like a Kid | Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Lol, indeed 🙂

      Reply
  26. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    October 24, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    Some great reasons! I really enjoyed the people I met and all the food while I was marathon training!
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Friday Loves #23My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      I was reminded today while spectating marine corps how awesome runners are!

      Reply
  27. Amy Lauren says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    I gotta say, I had a milkshake from Cook Out after my marathon, and I felt totally justified. It was actually the only thing I could stomach because I was so sick. I did feel accomplished though.
    Amy Lauren recently posted…The Friday Five: Five Reasons to Run a 5KMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Wendy@BlushandBarbells says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    I may or may not agree wholeheartedly with #5!
    Wendy@BlushandBarbells recently posted…Five Reasons to RUNMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    October 24, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    oh yes, I ate ALL THE THINGS for about a week after my recent Chicago marathon!!!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Who do you run for?My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Lol as you should!

      Reply
  30. Lindsey says

    October 25, 2014 at 8:29 am

    Haha, I was shocked when I did my first half marathon when I had gained weight. (It wasn’t a whole lot, but I just assumed when you were running that much you would lose weight.) I figure it’s ok though since you’re in the best shape of your life at that point. 🙂
    Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Reasons to RaceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      Yes, totally okay and normal!!

      Reply
  31. Tiffany says

    October 25, 2014 at 10:20 am

    I’m just not sure 26.2 is in the cards for me, but I have mad respect for anyone that tackles that distance. It’s possible that my mindset will change after I have been running for a longer period of time and am no longer a mother to young kids, but the weekly mileage just isn’t something I can swing right now. I’m happy to live vicariously through you and other right now that detail their training and marathon race adventures. Thanks for sharing your journey!

    Reply
  32. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    October 26, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    I can’t EVEN BEGIN TO COUNT all the new friends I made through marathon training. I still run regularly with some of the friends I made in the late 90’s when I started marathoning! Love all of your other reasons to run a marathon, too!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Five Reasons To Run An UltraMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 26, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Truth! The new friends are such an amazing benefit!! 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Five: 5 Reasons to Train for a Marathon | Writing, Reading, Running says:
    October 24, 2014 at 11:41 am

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    […] Friday! Today I’m linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed up for What?!! for their Friday Five. Today’s theme is Five […]

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  3. The Accidentally Running Mama says:
    October 31, 2014 at 8:04 am

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