Should Everyone Run a Marathon?
(Spoiler: No.)
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About six years ago, I thought my life was about to completely change. I was in final-round talks with a big global brand to become one of their ambassadors. It felt perfectly aligned; like every single early-morning alarm, ounce of sweat, and risk I had taken up until that point in my career was finally being validated. It was all happening!
… and then it didn’t.
The deal didn’t shake out. No grand explanation, just a sudden “it’s not you, it’s us,” where what felt like a life-altering contract used to be. The next morning, I woke up with a heavy chest. My mind was racing. I heard someone, somewhere recently refer to these moments—especially for gig workers—as the “almosts.” Exciting blips that entrepreneurs become all-too familiar with, opportunities dangling centimeters in front of your face, and then poof wam, bam, gone.
The almosts happen a lot.
After that one, I did what I often do. The thing I do when the world feels loud and overwhelming: I ran. I laced up my sneakers. I ironically wore their apparel as I walked out the door. I hit the pavement. My breathing settled into a familiar rhythm, and a distinct thought came up for me. I get to put one foot in front of the other in my career, in my relationships, and in my life—just like I do on this run.
That specific frustrating moment, and every other almost, doesn’t take away my ability to move forward.
Marathon training has been a major outlet for me over the past 15 years. I ran my first one back in Hartford in 2013, without a plan to follow it up with a second act. But I did. And then I signed up for a third. And come August 30, I’ll cross the starting line for lucky number 16 (I decided it was lucky … just now).
I don’t believe every single person needs to run a 26.2-mile race in their lifetime. However, I do fully stand by the notion that training for one can teach you more about yourself than you’re likely prepared to learn. Those lessons can 100 percent make you a better runner, sure, but more importantly—a more resilient human being.
Yesterday, I did my longest run prepping for Sydney, 22 miles on a Thursday morning. This weekend’s schedule made that decision for me, knowing that I wouldn’t have the time to do it in the days upcoming. As I awoke from my post-mileage nap, I was greeted with a message that prompted this Substack: “Do you think everyone should run a marathon?”
The sender shared with me that she had always wanted to, but didn’t think she was capable. That the most she’s ever run is two miles, but she’d be willing to try for longer.
My answer to her echoed what I said above:
No, I don’t think everyone should do anything.
But, the marathon is a pretty magical thing. And the training, well, it isn’t actually about the race. It’s about proving to yourself, mile by mile, that you are entirely capable of showing up in tough moments—especially when a work project goes completely awry, some stupid guy leaves you feeling like you aren’t enough, you find out you have to put your dog down, or [insert other frustrating scenario, here].
Also, the coach in me wants to drop here the No. 1 most important note thing we talk about setting any goal: You need to have a deep why. So again with the should thing. Should-ing yourself into doing something that has a major opportunity cost like running a marathon will truly make you absolutely 100 percent miserable if you don’t have a strong why to go after said goal.
ANYWAY. Let’s talk about next week. Next week! I’m going to share with you my ultimate guide to training for your first marathon. Maybe it’ll even be two parts. But I think it will be helpful to have everything in one easy-to-reference spot. And! It’s an opportunity for me to share some of my favorite experiences of my training tenure with you, too.
For the third and final time: No one should do anything. (Well, OK. Brushing your teeth. Getting good sleep. Treating people with kindness, those are shoulds.) But if you desire to lace up and conquer this major goal from your bucket list, well, I’m here to help however I can.
Chat next week, and keep hurdling —
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Wearing: ASICS Megablast—I wore these on my 22 yesterday, and they’re the Goldilocks amount of cushioning and stability in my eyes. I love max cushioning, but my right plantar gets a little cranky when I go too plush.
What I’m Eyeing: Adidas x ASOS Drop 004—The jacket I linked there is stunning. Love the matching short, and so many of the fun silhouettes they included here.
What I’m Tired Of: People feeling like they need to put other people down to make their point. If you do, I don’t think your point’s strong enough. That’s my hot take.
What I’m Cooking: White Bean Shakshuka from The Mediterranean Dish
Made this last weekend and it truly was both A. Delicious and B. A happiness project. I saved the goodness of the Shakshuka as leftovers, and then cracked new eggs into it throughout the week for breakfast. Ten out of 10, recommend.
Thoughts and other links: It was truly such a mood booster to have USA Championships in our backyard here at Icahn. Although it’s not exactly easy to get to Randall’s Island, had a really great time watching and covering the meet, which makes me really excited for Athlos in October. If you missed the action, Alison Wade did an excellent job recapping it all. The new Nike x Skims collection is beyond bizarre. I think it’s one thing if you want to collab with Skims, OK. That’s made for a specific customer. But framing it like this unitard/strapless combo is for working out? Absolutely not. I’m on the hunt for natural wine recommendations, if anyone has some. (Big on orange lately.) Also want to shout-out Alison Mariella Desir, author of Running While Black, who has a new Substack. Considering subscribing to it here.
NEW ON THE SHOW
This week one the show, I’m sitting down with Olympic and Indoor World Champion Julien Alfred. The track and field star opens up about navigating the mental ups and downs of elite competition, moving away from home at age 14 to pursue her dreams, and learning how to protect her inner peace amid massive international success and public attention. Julien shares how she overcomes self-doubt, handles the pressure of representing Saint Lucia on the global stage, and why giving herself grace has been key to her growth both on and off the track.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered.
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Really enjoyed this week’s read! Naming the “almost” really resonated. Congrats on getting through 22 miles - looking forward to next week’s guide!
have the most incredible time in Australia when you go down under for the Sydney Marathon!
I loved catching a show at the Opera House (walked in and to the ticket counter, bought one for whoever was playing that night—the venue is amazing and no one will disappoint). and if you have time in Melbourne, found the the Great Ocean Road absolutely magical—joined an overnight small tour group van ride and it was dreamyyyyy.
LFG lucky number 16!!