Why marathons are stupid

I assumed that any article that appeared on the site would offer a similar level of analysis and insight to the burning question of choosing how far to race. The article was full of folklore, references to questionable studies, and reliance on opinions from a few experts. The only reason for running marathons, the author suggests, is for bragging rights.

To me, this is a classic example of starting with a conclusion and then constructing an argument to justify the conclusion. But the problem I have with the piece and others like it is that it makes no serious attempt to really grapple with the reasons people choose to run hard events, or competitive events, or long, life-altering events, rather than convenient ones.

One common way to grapple with this is to assume that everyone runs for the health benefits. Certainly, health is one of the major reasons people exercise, and the modern running culture has been shaped by the hugely influential introduction of the idea of jogging in the s.

This seems obvious to me, and yet over and over again articles about the benefits of running in the popular media obsesses over studies that show runners live longer or less long , that show that one kind of workout or another gives all the cardiovascular benefits in a fraction of the time, that offer shortcuts to the benefits while minimizing the suffering.

Who am I to judge? When you get right down to it, everyone should be running 5Ks. A quick check of the local road race calendar suggests that everyone is already running 5Ks, as their number continues to increase. Yes, marathons are stupid. Better to train hard for a 5K, like the author of the article says, and reap the benefits of being able to race every weekend if you want, and enjoy the party afterward, and then get something else done with your day.

Obviously, 5Ks are superior. Thanks for the anonymity. And Saucony sneaks suck shit. I recently went to the New Balance store on Walnut Street expecting to find some dope neon-colored sneaks that would make the ladies I work with swoooooooon. Instead, the store was filled with wall-to-wall running gear, like actual running gear, including shin sleeves. An employee tried to talk to me about arch support. I care about lunch. Everything about running is stupid. The running. The running part.

The running! Just let the door close! And marathons. Geez Louize, what is the point of that? To accomplish some sort of goal? Shut up. Unless you're this couple who ran one every day in , it's just too much for any regular person to do on any regular basis.

A half marathon takes less of a toll. I ran one two weeks ago, setting a PR by three minutes, then ran eight miles on Wednesday. I felt great, ready to continue running and training and looking forward to my next half. So marathon if you must. Check it off the bucket list. Us half marathoners will be waiting for you to come around.

We have nothing but time. California desert town takes back the night, wins rare "Dark Sky" award. The U. The International Astronomical Union has established a committee to finalize a list of official star names.

Some companies offer unofficial naming rights for purchase. But the voices of certain communities are often left behind. Though many people think this is crazy. Focusing on the pain can help you see through it to the peace underneath.

The key with this strategy is to focus on just the sensations of the pain and not the story behind it. If you are willing to accept and work with your pain, you will be able to overcome it. More than any other competitor, the 1 person you will face during your race is yourself. Your greatest threat is you ego. And bonk much sooner than you had hoped. The Mindful Marathon key to dealing with your ego is to acknowledge it, thank it, and let it go.

One other wonderful practice that you can use in this situation is to practice sympathetic joy. When you see someone pass you, just smile and say silently. By turning your jealously into appreciation you keep your focus on your race.

Plus you create a sense of positive energy that you can draw on when things get tough. One of the most important practices you can take on during a Mindful Marathon is accepting love. Though you have done many long runs, race day is unique. The course is covered with other runners and fans cheering you on.

Let the love in. A race is one of the rare times where people express enthusiasm for something you are doing. Every time you get a water, or listen to a fan cheer you on, open yourself to the love they are sending your way.

Be willing to accept this love and absorb it into your body. This feeling is something you can carry with you during and after the race. In the days and weeks following your race remember that the people you saw cheering you on are in the houses you pass and in the car next to you. Did you enjoy this post?

Click here to join hundreds of people who receive regular posts from MindFitMove about changing your life with mindfulness and movement. One of my favorite races was an untimed 5K fun run, an experience that gives me joy and appreciation to this day. You make a valid point about pain, too.