RSS Feed
Why Marathon Training Wasn’t for Me
This post has taken me a while to put into words. I’ve been thinking about this for some time now and have had a few conversations with my runner friends about it….it’s gonna be a long one and I hope this post doesn’t offend anyone because that is totes not my intention here. (xoxo, LYLAS!)
Last year I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. I remember being nervous just hitting that ‘submit’ button during registration. Then training started and I picked a training program I found online, began training immediately and followed that thing to a T. After making it a little more than half-way through the program I found out about my freakish injury and had to call it quits.
Little did I know that would be a blessing in disguise for me.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love running with every ounce of my soul. There’s no better feeling then heading outside after a long day at work and pounding my feet to the pavement. It’s magical how an amazing run can turn your entire day around. What I don’t like is feeling like I have to run. If you know me (or have read my blog a while), you know I’m a free spirit. I don’t like feeling like I have to do something and I don’t really like having things planned out. Which essentially is what training for a marathon is.
What I’ve realized from reflecting back on the almost year (I KNOW) since I found out about my injury, is that I didn’t like marathon training. I hated it in fact. I hated knowing I had to run X amount of miles everyday, that Tuesday was my rest day and Friday was a cross-training day. I hated the fact that I woke up on Friday already nervous for my long run on Saturday and that I spent all day Friday worrying about my long run the next day. I hated being sore and hungry 24/7 and most of all I hated feeling like I wasn’t running because I loved it but because I had to.
When you’re in the midst of marathon training and you find out you have an injury that requires surgery to allow you to run more than a couple miles one time a week, it feels like the world is going to end. All that time, effort and hours spent basically felt a waste. So yes, I was pissed. What I came to find out though is that I don’t like running long distances. And that’s OK.
What I do like is running based on my own free-will and running distances between 3-10 miles. Just because I’m not training for a marathon doesn’t mean I’m not a runner. Just because I don’t love running long distances doesn’t make me any less of a blogger either. I love to run, therefore I am a runner. Who decides what distance accounts to someone being a runner?
It drives me insane when I hear runners say “oh it’s only three miles, I don’t think that even counts.” Uh I’m here to tell you it does. Any amount counts. If you run 13 miles vs 13.1, you didn’t finish that half-marathon. Say you stop at 26 miles vs 26.2 in that marathon-you clearly did not finish it. So whether I run .1 miles or 16 miles, it all counts. For people who are just getting into working out or running would you discount their progress just because they can only run .25 without stopping? No you would’t because you know how awesome it is that anyone ever can run any distance at all.
So that is why I am choosing not to get my surgery. The thought of being in a boot, in physical therapy and out of working out for 6+ months just so I can run a few miles more than I can now is just not worth it to me at this moment in my life. Do I wish I could run whatever distance I want, however often I want? Absolutely, no doubt in my mind about that. But for right now, running a few miles 1-2 times a week combined with fitness classes and other machines at the gym is making me immensely happy.
I may not run often and I may not run too far but I still love running and I’m still a runner. Don’t make me feel bad about that and please don’t feel sorry for me. I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I don’t love distance running and that is more than OK. Again, you do you, I’ll do me. Not every runner and/or blogger has to be a marathoner or half-marathoner. I’m both and I don’t run either. And I’m awesome, and so are you.
That’s all the nonsense I have for now!
66 Comments to Why Marathon Training Wasn’t for Me
Great post, Kelsey! You are a runner because you run. Period.
I have friends who call to tell me that they made a 5K without stopping to walk or ran a mile without stopping and I am as excited for them as the friends who complete a marathon or run a PR.
You don’t have to be the fastest or run the longest. You just have to do it. If you love it and have fun – even better!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:43 am
Erica you are the best and such a supportive friend!
[Reply]
Erica Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
And… I am “the expert” so I must be right
[Reply]
I’m a 3-10 miler too (okay, maybe 3-9.5?) so I enjoy this post to an extent. You made me feel like less of a loser for not really wanting to get on a training plan that makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel with no choices.
That said, I’m sorry you had to have a boo-boo to finally realize you didn’t love the life of perpetual training. But I guess it really was a blessing in disguise!
Let’s let everyone else be hamsters. I don’t know what that makes us, but I’ll take it!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:43 am
I’ll drink to that! (or anything really…)
[Reply]
Great post. I can totally relate to this in some ways.
While I love running ultras, I’ve never been one for training programs. I’m exactly like you in that respect: I hate looking at a calendar and seeing that I’m running X miles today and Y miles tomorrow. What if I feel like running Z miles instead? Also: I just realized I hate Algebra.
I just like to run. If I have a longer race coming up I’ll go out for longer runs leading up to the race, but I never plan it. I just pop on my shoes and take off. If I run 7 miles before Ira Glass is finished with Act 3 of This American Life on my iPod, then so be it. If I decide that 3 miles is enough, no biggie. I just like being outside running.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:45 am
I love this comment. I too hate algebra…or anything math related…
Here here to just love being outside running!
[Reply]
I totally get where you are coming from. I didn’t have any scheduled races after November and I could just run when I felt like it, as fast as I wanted and however long I felt like running. It was actually nice to not feel like running ruled my life! I like the challenge of completing a training program. But it is REALLY nice to take a break once in a while and remember why you love running.
My longest race is the half marathon. I have been wrestling with the idea of doing a full marathon. But frankly, running over 10 miles is not fun for me either. The thought of marathon training doesn’t excite me at all. So it was nice to read your thoughts, because sometimes going to a full marathon is not the logical progression and that is OK. A year of 5K or 10K races sounds quite heavenly to me right now.
I am glad that you found your “happy place”!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:56 am
YAY! Good for you for knowing what you love and don’t love. 5k’s are a blast!
[Reply]
Best post evah!
While I enjoyed the hell outta marathon training, right now I am enjoying the hell outta the “run whatever you want whenever you want” plan. In the end, we all just need to do what makes us happy. And know that even THAT changes over time.
You keep being a happy runnner!!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:56 am
Bobbi you are the best! Except you ROCK at marathons!!
[Reply]
Just another reason why I love reading your blog. I run because I love to run. I’ve been toying with the idea of running a marathon, but the whole training processs seems like such a chore and chores are no fun. It really is reassuring to know there are other runners who are just happy to run for the enjoyment it brings.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:00 am
<3 <3 <3
Chores are not fun. Especially cleaning.
[Reply]
Great post Kels! One of my biggest pet peeves is that everyone feels like they have to run marathons to be a “runner” and you’re absolutely right, you don’t! I honestly think that so many running injuries stem from this need to run all the miles so quickly. Running (and fitness) are lifetime activities and it’s probably not the smartest thing to decide to train for and run 26.2 miles one year into your marathon training. In fact, it’s pretty stupid.
Anyway, rant over about unprepared people running marathons. I love it when people start running (.5 miles to 26 miles) but I REALLY love it when people do the things that make them happy. I didn’t really know you when you were running a lot but as I’ve gotten to know you, I can see how happy doing a variety of fitness classes as well as running 3-4 miles a week makes you. You’re most definitely still a runner even if you don’t run marathons and you’re most likely a happier runner than someone who is a slave to their training plan and dreads running every day.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:01 am
I know we talk about this ALL The time but I always love hearing you say this as someone who is a very experienced runner.
I just run so I can drink post race beers
[Reply]
I am really looking forward to my marathon being over because the training is really getting to me. Surprise it is not that fun to run 15+ miles! I really like taking different classes at my gym and doing other activities (including strength training) that I’ve neglected because I have to run X miles today.
I feel like there is always pressure to do more, run further, or faster, but what about just enjoying where you are currently.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:01 am
yes totes agree! It’s SO important to be comfortable and happy with where you are now and not constantly worry about where you want to be!
[Reply]
I DON’T LIKE DISTANCE RUNNING EITHER!! Remember when I told you that while I was “training” for my first half and I felt so terrible about it. Now I do not care. I just don’t like it. lol this just means we can try some strange random fitness classes. Trapeze anyone?
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:02 am
Remember when you texted me during your entire half that you hated it and were going to die? Good times. xoxo
[Reply]
Kim Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
LOL I do remember that. Clearly I should do 50 more of those…
[Reply]
I think this is a fantastic post, and I applaud you for being so honest and putting all of this out there. Have you read Emily from Daily Garnish’s post You Don’t Have to Run a Marathon (http://www.dailygarnish.com/2010/12/you-dont-have-to-run-a-marathon.html)? It’s an old one, but it’s one of my all-time favorite blog posts, and a lot of what you have to say here aligns with what she said then. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the fact that running a marathon isn’t for you. If you want to run for fun and do your own thing, so be it! Some people are Type A, some people aren’t, and who cares if you’re not! I think there’s a lot of pressure in Blogland to be like everyone else, and one of the things I really appreciate about you is that you’re unapologetically Kelsey, and I truly think that’s wonderful.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:04 am
Bethany your comment made my day. You always leave the most thoughtful comments.
I can’t wait to read that post from dailygarnish! I TOTES love her/am in love with her.
and you.
[Reply]
I really love this post and there is a lot of truth to it. A lot of the biggest running bloggers are big time marathoners but marathons aren’t for everyone. I did it once and it took me over a year to recover from it, mentally more than physically, because running became a chore when I was doing it. I really love your perspective and you are totes a runner, no matter what anyone else does in comparison!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:34 am
Thanks love! AGREE! Every body is different we don’t all have to do a marathon every weekend
[Reply]
I very much love this. I don’t know how many times over the last 3-4 years people have asked, “so, when are you going to do a real marathon and not just half of one?”
Really? Because there wasn’t any hard work that went into running 13.1 miles?
I’m with you on the training, and that’s why I just can’t get down with the idea of me doing a full marathon. Even in the last few weeks of preparing for a half marathon (I don’t follow a plan, but I work progressively towards higher mileage), I start to hit a rut and not “love” going out for a run like I normally do. To feel this and still have to run upwards of 20 miles? Screw that. I’m good, thanks.
I admire the people who have the dedication it requires and the desire to run 26 miles. I just don’t need that for myself.
In my own super humble opinion, we still kick butt.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:35 am
Tru dat home slice! I would seriously want to slap people if they said when are you going to do a real marathon-seriously??
[Reply]
This is a great post Kelsey! I can definitely related to this. My hip dysplasia that I was born with isn’t meant for running. I literally had to wear triple diapers. My hip was really aggravated from running last year and I am still recovering. Marathons are just not in my cards and this is something that I have learned to be okay with. I do really want to get back into running, but very low milages.
I really appreciate your honesty!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 11:11 am
Low mileages are fun trust me! Think of all the other amazing things you can spend your time doing.
[Reply]
This post is great. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the other health and fitness blogs where everyone seems to be capable of marathons, or maybe 2 on a weekend! When I started out running, I couldn’t even get through a mile without stopping. My first 5K was a BIG DEAL. Last weekend I ran my first ever half marathon, and pretty much at that moment decided that I would never ever do a full. I like having a plan, and I love running, but there are so many other fun things to do, and even just prepping for that shorter distance took me away from yoga and swimming for longer than I wanted. Anyway, way to go, and thanks for the post!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 11:11 am
I LUURRRVEEEE this comment! 5k’s ARE a big deal! don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 3 miles is 3 miles-hard!
Congrats on your first half!!!! And for recognizing the marathon is not for you-who cares!
[Reply]
Can I print out this post and hand it to all my running club friends when they ask if I’m “back”? Look, just because I spent all of 2011 marathon training and chasing down PRs doesn’t mean I want to spend the rest of my life doing that. Like you said, there are SO MANY other ways to be a runner.
Okay, sorry, personal rant over
Long comment short, I agree with you!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 11:12 am
Yes, as long as you print out the pictures of me to go along with it.
Personal rant all you want, I love it.
[Reply]
I cannot tell you how happy this post made me today. I’m in the process of recovering from hip arthroscopic surgery and was feeling super bad about not being able to work out and maybe not ever being able to run a “significant” distance. You honestly made my day. Thank you.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Aw thank you for this comment! Don’t feel about not being able to work out- you need to focus on recovering!! You’ll be amazed at how fast you’ll bounce back!
[Reply]
Love you!!!!! Very well put! And I ran 2.5 miles this morning and I rocked it! 2.5 is something!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
WOOOOOOOTTTTTT!
[Reply]
I love this post!! I’m currently training for my first half marathon and while it’s really exciting, it won’t be the end of the world if I finish and decide I never want to do another one again! Keep doing you and doing what makes you happiest!!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:28 pm
HOW EXCITING!!!! Good luck, let me know how it goes!!
[Reply]
WONDERFUL post. I have so much I could say in response to this. First: bravo! You don’t have to run far to be a runner (or fast, for that matter). Last year I trained for a 5K and people in my club gave me crap because it wasn’t a marathon. Really? I hate it that people feel pressured in to going farther, when they don’t want to.
And I realized I kind of hate following a plan (most of the time). I do like to run far, but I think it helps that I do whatever I feel like!
Well said (my comment, not so much).
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:28 pm
Thanks babycakes!
whateva, whateva, I do what I want.
[Reply]
This is exactly why I don’t like races. I like to train and focus on getting better/faster, but I want to do that because I choose to, and not because I have to for a race.
I’ve also recently concluded that I don’t like running with other people either. I don’t mind helping out if someone wants a buddy, but I don’t like having to work my running around someone else’s schedule; or working to someone else’s expectations.
I like to push myself, but because I choose to, not because a race or training partner demands it.
So hurray for you. Running is supposed to be fun (and hard! But in a fun way). And I think you’re a runner when you decide that you are, and b*llocks to other people’s arbitrary standards!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Thank you for leaving this wonderful comment! Great point on about races_I’ve never thought about them like that before!
[Reply]
Can we please be friends? Because this post just rocked my socks off. I cannot tell you how much judgment I’ve felt in the blogosphere just because I’ve never run a full marathon. In the past, it’s just never been in the cards for me. And while I signed up for Chicago this year, if it doesn’t work out – oh well. Life goes on:) Or, “training without a plan” – which is something I do all of the time. Just because I might want to go run a race for the fun of it doesn’t make me any less of a runner. Thanks for posting!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
YES! Let’s get together! A little birdie named Sierra told me you go to yoga loft classes! Maybe post class drinkies?
Why are bloggers so judgmental sometimes??
[Reply]
I wish we had more 10 mile races. I think that’s the perfect run distance. Not to far, not to fast…..just right.
Keep on running, whatever your distance. Don’t let the big, badass crazy people scare you. They probably hate marathon training too and won’t admit it. If the training didn’t give me focus and force me out of my 10 mile long run comfort zone, then I’d NEVER do it. It’s a total PITA.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
I love the 10 mile distance! Wish I could run it!
THANKS Yo!
[Reply]
I love everything about this post except one. I hate that you were made to feel bad about the runner you are. Remember nobody has the power to ‘make’ you feel a certain way. Eff petty, judgmental people. It’s nothing more than a reflection of their own inadequacies.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Thank you Marcia! FOR REALZ
[Reply]
Great post. I don’t think I am as honest(with myself and others)as I should be when I don’t love the distance training. It took me a long time this winter to actually say the words ‘I just don’t love running right now’ And I don’t as much as I did at the moment. I’m not sure why that was so hard for me to admit. One of the fears I have is that I make people feel like less of a runner because they don’t run marathons. I never want to make people feel that way.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
I completely understand what you’re saying. It took me a long time to admit to myself I didn’t like distance running-almost a year honestly. I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit to yourself…like who cares? Why does it matter?
[Reply]
I’M SO OFFENDED! Totes kidding of course. I love this post. I’ve always preached the “if you run, you’re a runner” mantra. I have friends who are newer runners and feel like they have to hit a certain milestone before they can call themselves a runner. Nope, if you run, no matter the pace or distance or how long you’ve been doing it, guess what, you’re a runner.
Also, I went through major burnout during marathon training last year. It was actually the first time I ever stuck to a training plan. Training plans are kind of annoying in that they are boring (same thing every week) and you have this nagging to-do hanging over your head. Post-marathon I just did whatever I wanted and it was fun. But now I’m being “coached” by my best friend (in prep for a half marathon, not even a “real” marathon LOLz), and she’s sending me my training plan in two-week increments. I kind of like that because for one thing, she’s totally mixing it up and making me do new types of runs that I’ve never done before (hello, hill repeats) so it’s like a new exciting workout every day, and two, I don’t have to stare down weeks and weeks of “this is what you are doing on this day.” This way seems to be easier to tackle. Of course I’m on day two, so …
[Reply]
Maggie Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
wow I totally left a novel in your comments section.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
I like it that way.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Great comment-as always! That’s really col that your friend is doing that Way to keep things spicy
YES! I don’t know why people think they have to run a certain distance to qualify as being a ‘runner” if you run-you’re a runner. I don’t get it…
[Reply]
Definitely had a similar experience last year training for the DC marathon (my 1st). I ended up having to stop running completely for 4 weeks prior to race day. Scary!! 2nd time around, I don’t follow any plan rigidly, you have to do what works for your life/body.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 6th, 2013 at 9:15 am
amazing!
[Reply]
I love this- you are SO right. I’ve been anti-long run for awhile now and am enjoying where I’m at. It’s pretty inevitable with me that I have bad knees from my skating days and now a hurt neck. SO, I’m enjoying running for fun and have only signed up for fun races this year. I want to do a Muddy Monk one, you signed up for the pass, right!?
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 6th, 2013 at 9:15 am
I didn’t sign up for the entire pass-that is too much planning….:) But I’ll probably be running most of them!
[Reply]
I think running 10 miles is a long distance..so is 5.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 6th, 2013 at 9:15 am
me too!
[Reply]
I absolutely loved this post. This is my first time visiting your blog. I found it through Meghan over at the Perfect compilation tape. I understnd exactly what you mean! I don’t think I was ever actually able to express it the way you did. I love to run, but I was so burnt out after Marathon training. I think for me, it had to do with training for so long, and NY being cancelled. Thank you for this post! It really brought a lot out
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 6th, 2013 at 9:14 am
YAY thanks for visiting! It’s always good to take a break from anything you spend so much time doing…too bad we can’t take more breaks from work!
[Reply]
Love this so much. You’re a runner if you run, period. Thanks for the reminder!
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 8:36 am
[Reply]
This is such a refreshing perspective on running! I’m sorry about your injury, but how cool that you were able to stop to reflect and figure all of this out as a result.
I’ve only been running for a little over a year, and I was one of those people who could barely run for more than a minute at a time as I was starting out. At first, I did feel like some kind of inadequate runner because I couldn’t do distance or speed. The longest I’ve ever run is 6 miles (but I’m planning to do my first half this year – yikes!), and speed hasn’t really come, but I still remind myself that I couldn’t do any of this a year or two ago, and am just so grateful that I can. I never want running or exercise to become this thing that I have to do, so I’m really glad to read your thoughts about this and know that I’m not the only one who feels that way.
[Reply]
Kelsey Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 8:35 am
Good for you! That’s amazing! Always remember the incredible progress you made. Running seriously so hard and people sometimes forget that
Let me know how your half goes!!
[Reply]
Leave a Reply
By submitting a comment here you grant Ready Set Feast! a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate or irrelevant comments will be removed at an administrator's discretion.