RUNNERS!!! Why did you sign up for a Marathon?

I did my first marathon because it was on my bucket list to do a marathon before I turned 30.

Four marathons later, I'm planning on doing two marathons next year, and hope the second one will be my Boston Qualifyer.

As I always say.....The marathon begins at Mile 20.

I run marathons because you see what you are made of between miles 20 - 26.

Each race is a different experience.. different courses, different weather conditions, and your body is in different states of fitness. I've finished in elated joy with bounds of untapped energy and I've also finished in pain and relief that it's finally over.

I would rather go long than fast. I find it to be very meditative to find your gear and hold steady.

I signed up for mine because if I didn't sign up, it would always be sitting on my bucket list. There will always be races to run, time to train and other pressing priorities (or so we hope). I put my money where my mouth is because once I parted with it, I KNEW I'd train and put in the hard work necessary.

Why do I want to run one? I've never done it and I wanted a challenge and another sport I could take up. I was in a pretty bad car accident about a decade ago and was told I'd never walk again, so this is a pretty big milestone and testament to my determination. Plus, I needed something to train for...you can only do so much cardio inside a gym!

By the time I've trained for my first half-marathon in May 2012, I would be 40 years old have lost 101lbs. 2 months after my first half, I will then race my first marathon in July.

Just like the usual "flying-dreams"... I have had many dreams of running long and fast - I'm certain this is one of the things I have to accomplish in my life.

I'm not dreaming of a marathon - YET, but I am training for a half in February.

I always wanted to be able to run, but have always been the most non-coordinated, non-athletic person I know and it just seemed like an impossible dream. I love to read books about long distance running or walking (like Flanagan's Run by Tom McNab, Africa Trek by Alexandre and Sonia Poussin) and always wanted to be part of something bigger than me, something I didn't think was possible.

I met my first goal of doing something that seemed impossible by running a 12k race at the end of August- that was a bittersweet victory because I really wanted to do it for my mum who had terminal cancer -she asked me about 6 weeks before the race "are you really going to run that far?" and I said yes. So I had to do it for her. She died just two days after the race so she knew I did it and people have told me that on the day of the race, she told everyone in the hospital that I was doing it (along with the 40,000 other people who ran/walked that day!)

Now I know that I can run, I need another goal - I love the way that running keeps me grounded and focused and helps me cope when I'm upset or sad or stressed. So, the Busselton Half Marathon is my next target. That's in the town where my dad lives and the path goes past the hospital where mum passed away so I will feel as though I'm running it with her and I know my dad will be there to cheer me on too. I don't think it's going to be an easy run - although it's a flat path by the beach all the way it is in February (mid summer in Australia) so I'm going to have to do my longest training runs in the heat and will have to really focus on staying hydrated. But, I'm going to give it my best shot!

I'm loving everyone's stories, thanks for sharing.

I'm a little tired to write about what attracts me to the Marathon right now, but keen to keep an eye on this thread, will go back and read and contribute properly later. Thanks for starting this cool topic

Where do I start.... First, I love all the replys. The running group is an amazing group of people and the more races and events I attend, I see that first hand. You guys are all amazing!!

I started running in March 2010 right after I turned 40 with no intention of every running a marathon. I was just running to get myself ready to help one of my close friends pace run his 100 mile trail run that coming September. He told me that it would be more of a run/walk through the dark, wee hours of the morning, so if I could get to a 10K run I would be fine.
I hit 5K in 3 months and was so proud. I then got a little too confident and figured I could run a Half in September, two weeks after my pace run event. Not sure why I thought this was do-able but I signed up and kept running.

That 100 mile experience changed everything for me. I watched my friend go through his darkest moment ever, fight with his mind and his body about what he was doing, and watched him overcome the mind and find the strength to finish that 100 miler in 29 and a half hours. I was amazed!! You truly can do anything you put your mind too, and with the support of others around you, helping your when your mind is telling you that you can't. It's all mental, I truly believe that now.

I ran my Half two weeks later and the day after I signed up for a 30K for March of 2011. That's the next goal right? I wanted to push myself. After that 30K it was a given that I would run a Full, and I am, in 3 weeks.

My brother was a marathon runner and I was 21 when I watched him run in to the finish line in Toronto. That was 20 years ago, this October. Next month I'll be crossing that finish line with him in spirit. He lives in Arizona now and unfortunately can't run anymore due to a back injury. He has been very supportive in my training though and passing along tips etc....

So why am I running a marathon? Because I can do anything I put my mind to and I want to show that it's never to late to start something. How far can I run is the next question? That is something I want to explore more. Seeing that I doubled my distance in one year, I plan on doing the same this coming year. Next September I will be running my first 50 mile trail race with my 100 miler friend there supporting me this time. Who knows what will happen after that. 100 miler in 2013? That's just crazy talk.....lol

Keep running!

Love this thread!

I decided to run the London Marathon when I was with my ex. It was a pretty bad relationship, going stale and I felt a bit trapped. I wanted to do something that was totally mine, and no one else could have any say in, or take credit for. I had always enjoyed running and done a few 5k's and 10k's, but had never done the longer distances.

I decided I'd run one by my 30th, so had 4 years to get in otherwise I would've paid to do it for charity. Managed to lose teh ex and kept on entering the ballot. Luckily got a ballot place on my 2nd entry, and dedicated my place to Macmillan.

It was honestly the best experience of my life, and the feeling of crossing that line and getting hugs and incredulous looks from my friends and family isn't even describable. I still get a bit emotional when I realise I've actually done it!

Its by no means easy, it takes a lot of dedication but it is possible, and is truely an amazing experience x

Good luck to all the runners here, whatever distance - I'm thinking of a half next as its the only distance I've not done.

And I also wanted to FINALLY put my magnet on my car:

I haven't done a marathon or even half marathon yet but I plan to. As the youngest of 4 children I always felt like I wasn't good enough. My older sister is the "perfect older sister type" and my brothers are both pretty athletic. I was always the slower, bigger one that got picked on. I got the genetic factor of my metabolism from my mothers side which are all slightly shorter and a little stout so my siblings always looked at me like I was the "fat" kid, even though I was like 5'3" 135-ish lbs. I guess in a way it makes me feel stronger? and like I CAN prove them wrong? So here I am.. running on my own two feet and it feels great! :-)