OK, so I’ve run 6 marathons to date, a big achievement to some, a mere drop in the ocean to the 100 marathon club. (It still amazes me when I see these shirts and runners, 100+ marathons!)
But what makes me and thousands of others keep on running them and other events year-after-year? What are the benefits?
Addictions
For me, the main addiction has always been a sub-4 hour marathon, a target I set some 6+ years ago and still to achieve! But beyond that, it’s a blessing to get out in the fresh air and clear your head, especially with the New Forest on your doorstep and especially if you work in an office environment or sit behind a wheel for most of the day.
Signing up to events and setting a target time certainly keeps you committed to training. It’s quite a buzz too running in events, so why not consider a local and free ParkRun to get you started if you’re intrigued by running?
Staying healthy can also be addictive and to be honest, long distance running is great at keeping the pounds off if you’re partial to a few beers and a curry like me. Plus if you keep up the healthy habit of running, you’ll look and feel half-decent too!
It’s also great to explore different places and visit other towns and cities. With events up and down the country, week-in week-out, there are plenty of opportunities to see different parts of the UK and beyond. If you’ve had the privilege to run along a seafront and take in the views when the sun is shining, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
And finally, rewarding yourself with a well-earned pint after a race (or decent training session) is rather nice.
Benefits
In addition to the benefits listed above, these are the main benefits I’ve experienced after 6 marathons and 6+ years of long distance running:
- 10 mile runs become a breeze. I’ve never run a Park Run or 5K event (I’ve only ran one 10K event to date and lots of half-marathon plus distances), and as good as 5K runs are as a stepping stone to get fitter, once you’ve run longer distances, it takes longer to get ready than it does to run the event! So personally, I prefer to run longer distances at this stage in my life.
- You can save a fortune on gym memberships! (although events can be just as expensive!)
- You can be ready for a marathon in 4 to 6 weeks (plus tapering) if you run once or twice a week (ideally 10K plus distances)
There we are, end of article and start of your first or next marathon I hope! So why not sign yourself up to a half or full marathon, and see the huge improvement in your health and well-being, as I have done.
Good Luck,
Ben
Comments are closed.