photo by: Paul Keleher
The Biggest Loser finalists ran a marathon this season and many people set a marathon as their ultimate fitness goal. Marathons are a popular activity and dream in this country.
My friend Meredith runs them often, sometimes even without much training (she is a machine and an ironWOman). It seems that once people get into marathons they end up doing multiple marathons and half-marathons because it is an “addictive” sport.
Marathon Facts
Here are some pretty interesting facts about marathons.
- In 2009, more than 400,000 people is the U.S. will run the 26.2 mile race.
- A marathon runner will go through 2 pairs of sneakers while training for the race.
- The age range of the majority of female marathon runners in the U.S. is 25-29 years old.
- The average woman burns 2,880 calories while running a marathon.
- 4:59:28 is the average time of U.S. female marathon runners.
- It takes the average woman 51,214 steps to complete a marathon.
I don’t know if distance running will be my thing, but it is one of those things that is in the back of my mind that I might do one day. If I do ever train for a marathon I’ll definitely be sourcing information from Meredith and books like The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training
What about you? Are you planning to do a marathon at some point? Have you already done one? Are you one of thos crazy weekend warriors running them often? Whichever you are, I admire you.
Those are some really interesting facts that I’ve never read!
I have run one and it is something that will make you feel like you can do anything!
When I started running two years ago, the goal was to run a 5k. Running gets in your blood and you seriously become addicted to the races. Runners (via blogs, etc) are the most supportive people I have every come across – they make you feel like a rock star after a half mile or 26.2!
Nope! That’s not on the cards for me… I want to run 5K and 10K events, but not any longer than that. It will take a long time before I get there…
I’m planning on doing my first 5k run soon…. but I don’t think I’ll ever be fit enough for the marathon. They kinda scare. Kudos to those who can!
wildfluffysheep’s last blog post..I am frickin’ on it….
those little tidbits regarding a marathon are great to know. wish I had it in me. It is quite an accomplishment.
kristisummer’s last blog post..Choosing a gym that is right for you
I am not a woman, but I am scheduled to run my first marathon in 2 weeks. I never would have thought it possible when I weighed 380 lbs. in 2007. I began running in August 2007. I never dreamed of running a marathon. That was just insanity to me. In 2008, I started doing what I thought was impossible. In August 2008, I ran a 10 mile race. In September, I completed a Spring Triathlon which encouraged me to run a Half-marathon in October which inspired me to sign up for a marathon. Now that it is two weeks away and close to 4 months of training, I will do what I thought was pure insanity. I still think it’s insane, but now I believe I can do this insane thing.
HalfMan’s last blog post..M-13
Believe me…if you want to complete a marathon, you will! The best way I have found is to join a philanthropic group such as Team in Training, Train to End Stroke or my favorite, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. You basically raise money for the charity and then you complete the marathon, or half marathon or 10K or 5K, whatever your goal, as the icing on the cake!
I have completed several charity marathons for a total of 6 (5 halves and 1 full). Believe me, when I was 285 pounds, I never thought I would finish even a 5K. I have never, I repeat, never lost weight doing marathons…I gain weight inevitably…but, the feeling of completing your first is something you will always remember…and you will get addicted :)
You can do anything!