For the record, I have never completed a marathon. I have, however, done a couple of sprint triathlons. There’s a big difference, the biggest difference being, I am nowhere near ready to run 26.2 miles. 2.62, maybe, but move that decimal point over one and I’d be in really big trouble.
The longest distance I’ve raced has been a 1/4-mile swim, 9-mile bike and 3.1 mile run. Even with the three disciplines combined, they don’t come even close to a marathon. I’m a beginner, not an ironman. Funny though, every time I have a race, someone will ask me how my marathon was. 
I correct them quickly. You have to earn that marathoner title.
That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to do a marathon someday. Right now one of my goals is a half marathon, planned for the fall. But 26.2 miles is a very long way to run. Maybe someday?
I will say that I am in awe of anyone who tackles a marathon. I bow to you. I was reading race reports over the weekend for the Boston Marathon (so impressive), and here on Long Island, we had our own Long Island Marathon this weekend (it was hot and my heart goes out to anyone who had to run in 80-degree heat and humidity yesterday). 26.2 miles is an awesome accomplishment… maybe a little crazy, but hey, if you can complete a marathon, can’t you do just about anything? Leap tall buildings in a single bound, for instance?
For now though, I’ll stick to my nice little triathlons. Those are exhausting enough. But I’ll be training for those longer runs.
AND, I’ll continue correcting my family and friends who give me the esteemed title of marathon runner until I’ve actually gotten to the point where I deserve it. To all of you marathoners out there, you have my utmost respect. It truly is an amazing feat.
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My friend’s husband completed something called an Ultra-Marathon on Saturday – 40 miles! Are you kidding me!!!!!
Nice little triathlons
THAT MADE ME LAUGH…in an “Ill never do a nice little tri either…or a marathon”
in awe,
Miz.
I agree, I have deep respect for those who can run a marathon.
I will try a half marathon Spring next year but I already decided I won’t do a marathon, I have to change my lifestyle too much to do that.
Instead my dream is that after I finished a half marathon in Holland I would like to run a half every year in a different European country. But that are just dreams: first I have to see if I even do a half,it might happen that halfway the training I decide a half isn’t it for me.
I respect you too though, because you did a tri!
I am really interested in doing a sprint triathlon! Hm, any tips/advice? What kind of bike do you own? And…how do you practice? In a gym pool or like…brave the storm outside haha. It just seems pretty difficult to tackle all 3 disciplines, especially since triathlon swimming portions are always outside. Plus, I need a bike. Damn.
Anyway, keep it up with the running! You’ll be tackling marathons sooner than you think! I’ve got my first planned for November.
Hi Jess,
To get started, I’ve done pool triathlons. My first open water swim will be this summer (wetsuits are expensive!!) I swim train in the pool, bike train on the trainer or outside if the weather is nice and try to run outside as much as possible. The biggest part of the training for me is bike/run or swim/bike to get used to doing more than one thing at a time.
Right now, I’m using a mountain bike borrowed from my daughter. Often, you can rent bikes at the races; check on the race sites! I’d love a road bike, but they are expensive too. Since I’m not trying to break any records, as long as I have two wheels, I’m good!
That’s funny! When I first started running races, people would ask me “How was your marathon?” I’d laugh and snort and say “I can’t run a marathon!” I thought I could barely do a 10k…But now…someday I might do a REAL marathon.