For a lot of people, marathons are pretty intimidating. After all, running 42 kilometers isn’t an easy feat! But for those brave enough to try, the experience is almost spiritual. However, running a marathon is more than just getting to the finish line.
It takes a lot of hard work, discipline, and a certain level of physical fitness before you can start running in marathons.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, here are 5 reasons to help you get motivated.
5 Reasons Why Running a Marathon Is Something You Need to Try
1. It’s a totally new experience
Running isn’t a new thing for a lot of people. However, running for 42 kilometers is definitely something that not a lot of people have tried.
Marathon running is a completely different beast since you’ll have to consider your speed and pacing. You don’t want to tire yourself out at the beginning of the race, but you also don’t want to be the last to reach the finish line.
Running a marathon also involves a lot of preparation beforehand. You’ll need to do a lot of practice runs, get your endurance up, and make sure you don’t injure yourself while running.
2. You get to meet new people
Another great thing about running marathons is that you get to meet a lot of new people. While marathons are a competitive event, a lot of marathon runners are friendly and very welcoming to those new to the sport.
There are a lot of running groups and clubs that are always open to new members. That way you can find people to train and be friends with.
3. Bragging rights
Not everyone can brag that they’ve finished a marathon. Whether you finish first or last, completing such a grueling race is an achievement in itself.
A lot of people prepare months in advance for marathons. They eat a special diet, work out constantly to improve their speed and endurance, and psyche themselves up to have the proper mindset when entering the marathon.
Running a marathon is more psychological than physical, and you’ll really have to go through a lot of mental hurdles so you can push yourself beyond your limits. It’s a huge boost to your ego as well since you’ve accomplished a goal that you set for yourself.
4. Nothing beats finishing your first marathon
As the saying goes, nothing beats your first time. The same goes with finishing your first marathon. All the months of hard work and preparation all lead up to this moment, and the feeling of finally reaching the finish line is absolutely amazing.
You’ll also experience what’s called a runner’s high, or a feeling of euphoria once you’ve been running for a while. It’s an amazing, natural high and really gets you excited and pumps you up to run even more.
5. It’s a great way to get fit
Lastly, running a marathon is an amazing way to get in shape. If you’re a bit overweight and want to lose weight, then running a marathon might be the ticket to your fitness goals.
That’s because before you run a marathon, you’ll need to prepare and get your body ready. This means doing a lot of exercise, eating right, and getting enough rest so that come race day, you’ll be able to finish the marathon.
It takes a lot of discipline, hard work, and dedication, but your body will be grateful for the positive changes that it’ll have if you start running marathons.
