Why this obsession with running marathons?

CBC News ^

[Phillyred]

Old article, but currently on my mind. Seriously, what is the deal with the recent (maybe not?) obsession with running? Bumper stickers, run for this, run for that, Facebook postings on how far people ran...I have to say it is annoying me just a tad. Not so much the running I guess, but the obsession and posting about it. Am I just a grump?

[Larry Lucido]

Because walking it takes too long.

[defconw]

"Unless a pack of wolves is chasing me, or there is a sale at Dairy Queen, there's no reason for me to run anywhere, let alone do a marathon".

Yep that's me!

[Gaffer]

I don’t really know....I just remember some Iron Woman something or other woman who just had to run, run, run...

In this particular event, she couldn’t keep up and pushed. She pushed until she shat all over herself and collapsed right there. I sometimes wonder what kind of person she actually is and how she is with those around her.

[PeteB570]

Friend of mine started biking (road) at 52 and went all in within three years. He’ll 100 miles each day on Sat. and Sun., and then 40ish miles each day during the week.

Joined a local bike club, got a new set of friends and is really in shape. Does not hang with any of his old friends.

Hey, it’s his life.

[oh8eleven]

Why is it that seemingly normal people turn 30 and then feel compelled to start training for marathons?
I turned 40, then ran my first marathon. Why 40? Because I didn't wait until I turned 50 to attempt it.

[workerbee]

Runners may be obsessed, but they beat cyclists any day of the week.

(ducking)

[DManA]

I’ll start running when I see a runner smiling.

[TheRightGuy]

my son, and more recently my daughter-in-law, are into it ... and both are edging ever closer to 50. the only thing that bothers me about it is when when they gripe, seek sympathy, or brag about their aches, pains, and injuries.

[SampleMan]

Running, especially jogging, is very hard on the joints.

I walk about 12 miles a week to burn calories, offsetting my office chair hours.

I’ve lost 25 pounds in the last 3 months, doing this and lifting weights. I’d like to lose another 15.

If I ever feel the need to start running (to burn those calories faster), I will sprint, not jog. Sprinting for 100-200 yds until I can’t keep sprinting. Then I’ll walk until I can sprint again.

[DJ MacWoW]

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[CatherineofAragon]

I agree with you. I’m a big fan of exercise, but running is hard on the body, especially the knees....and even more so for women.

[MNDude]

ever heard of this dedicated runner?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk6QZY5G_b8

[verga]

I began running Triathlons at age 49. I have done about 8-9 Sprints, but will not even think about a full or even a half Iron man. I did it to inspire my wife that was recovering from Central Nervous system Lyme’s disease. The Doctor said she needed to exercise so I signed us up at the Y.

[ryan71]

Running keeps me feeling young. I’m 48. I tell my 16 y/o daughter and her friends I just ran 8 miles and they think I’m a freak. I love it. That said, RUNNING IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY. And that’s okay. Walk, ride a bike, play tennis. It’s all good. I like the challenge of running.

[dfwgator]

I always point out that the first marathoner dropped dead right after completing it.

[FreeReign]

Because walking it takes too long.

Ture, but marathons take too damn long too.

So I just do 10k's now.

[martin_fierro]

The only running I do is ... running late.

[LostInBayport]

Runners may be obsessed, but they beat cyclists any day of the week.

Runners are much more polite when it comes to sharing the roads with cars. One of the things I love about winter is that 95% of the cyclists disappear from the roads.

I don't get the marathon thing. I think the participants are trying to prove something; to themselves or others, I don't know. It doesn't look like fun, and I'm not sure of the health benefits. Maybe they just like wearing spandex.

[meowmeow]

Why is it that seemingly normal people turn 30 and then feel compelled to start training for marathons?

I turned 40, then ran my first marathon. Why 40? Because I didn't wait until I turned 50 to attempt it.

I'm running my first at 50. I've done enough halfs that I can run them in my sleep. Time to up the ante!

Why do it? When I stop finding ways to challenge myself physically and mentally, it's time to dig a hole and call it quits.

And my knees are just fine. And I get to be a 50 year old size 6 woman who never says no to a donut!