Half or Full Marathon?

One of the areas that I am quick to correct people, is when they down-play themselves and say…”I am just doing a Half Marathon.” It is never JUST a Half Marathon; you are still carrying your body 13.1 miles over hills, through streets and past your own personal obstacles. A Half Marathon is so great, because it is an achievable goal that I feel anyone can complete. It is a large enough goal that it requires planning, work, preparation and accountability to achieve.  However when you cross that finish line, it is a great feeling of accomplishment. A Half Marathon does not dominate your free time with trainings and preparation. Race day is great because and you still feel good after your race and can join your friends for that celebratory burger and beer for lunch. If the furthest you have completed is a 5K, 10K, or from the couch to the fridge, a Half Marathon is a wonderful and enjoyable way to take your running to the next level. The difference in a Half and Full Marathon, in my humble opinion, is only about four or five more long runs. To complete a Full Marathon, there is a higher level of commitment that has to made for this endeavor. Few and far between are the people who can just wing it, and run 26.2 miles. A Full Marathon is so great because of the person that it makes you become. You must possess or obtain qualities of persistence, dedication, continuous learning, and self actualization. There will come a point in every Marathon race and training program where you will ask yourself the question “WHY?!” And if you can answer that for yourself, you will have won. Full Marathons require you to learn how your body reacts to the endurance, nutrition, and what gear suits you best. But after finding the right shoes, the right drink, the right pace and you cross that finish line…you will be telling your grandkids about that day and what a wonderful journey it was. Should you need help deciding to train for a Full or Half Marathon, contact me and I'd be happy to help you make an informed decision, and reach your Personal Best.

---