On most bucket lists, you’ll see “Run a Marathon.” Why? Sure being able to say you ran 26+ plus miles is a great accomplishment, but then what? By the time the race starts, your body has changed drastically. Your knees have taken a beating and you can’t wait until this day is over. Achieving your goals in life are important but there are other ways to find success in fitness without running a marathon.
Difficulties With Marathon Training
1. Injury
One of the most common problems all runners have is the build up in injury. Whether starting off for the first time or a seasoned veteran, at some point your body just can’t take the running anymore. If your form is poor, everything from your core down to your feet will begin to feel discomfort. From sharp pains, to aches and soreness, running long distances can wear your body down.
2. Dehydration
Marathon training requires a lot of blood, sweat and energy. Where most people are expected to drink the average eight 8 oz of water a day, runners need to intake a lot more water to ensure their organs, joints and muscles stay hydrated during their runs. Poor body hydration can lead to fatigue and in extreme cases muscles shutting down. It’s not worth the risk.
3. Time Investment
The average finishing time for completing a marathon is about 4 hours. Running for four hours seems exhausting and although you’ve trained to that point, imagine how many hours you’ve spent training. Although everyone runs at a different pace, training requires at least four days of running with a minimum of 12 miles a week to start. As the race gets closer, more mileage is added. Most of us already live busy lives and unless you have a lot of leisure time, marathon training will take all your time away.
4. Changes Body Mechanics
Running long distances for extended and excessive periods of time can be bad for you. Our bodies were not designed to run for prolonged periods of time. With excessive running, comes changes in how our body functions every day. From enlarged hearts to runner’s face, running excessively can do some harm to your body if improperly monitored.
Other Options
5. Weekly Challenges
Instead of aiming for a goal that’s months away, why not challenge yourself weekly. Whether you do weight training, body weight workouts, sprints on the treadmill or High Intensity Interval Training, every week should be a new way to become stronger than before.
6. Short Races
Instead of spending weeks training for a marathon, why not try a 5k or 10k race. Training for these require a shorter amount of time, allow you to focus on other important muscle groups through cross-training and allow you to keep your body shape intact while you train. Marathon training tends to take pounds away and create a lesser version of yourself.
7. Everyday Fitness Tips
Being able to incorporate fitness into your everyday practices can make all the difference. From morning or lunch time workouts, taking the stairs as often as possible, walking rather than using a vehicle and even cycling, small fitness movements provide you with the essentials to make every second a moment for health.
About the Author: Kevin Jones is a freelance writer and fitness instructor/consultant. He had helped hundreds of people find ways to become more fit and healthy through an individualized approach. In addition, Kevin has written extensively in the fitness and health industries, including writing for companies such as ICON Fitness for both the NordicTrack and ProForm brands. Connect with Kevin online; LinkedIn – Twitter
