by Robin Ferguson
Runners lined up on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the State Capitol for the 3rd Louisiana Marathon and Red’s instructors and members were well represented in both the half and full marathon distances. They were also well represented in the spectators coming out to cheer the runners on.
The completion of these races requires commitment, dedication and discipline. Oh yeah, and you better like running…a lot! So, why would anyone want to complete one of these races? Better yet why wouldn’t they?? Here are 6 Reasons why you would NOT want to run a marathon (or a half):
1. You are not willing to or don’t have the time to train.
If you don’t take the time to train properly and try to increase your mileage too quickly you will significantly increase your risk of injury. Know your body and work with a trainer if you need.
2. Races are expensive!
If you want to run a marathon (or a half) you can expect to shell out about $100. The cost of these races has increased about 35% in the last few years.
3. You actually don’t like to run….at all.
If you don’t like to run, you are not going to magically start liking it when logging a crazy amount of miles per week. You may start to even dislike it even more. We tend to stick with things we like, so go ride a bike, swim or hit the weight room if that is something you are more likely to stick with and make part of your routine. No one said you have to run a marathon!
4. It’s not a fool proof way to lose weight.
Actually, some people gain weight when training for races because they find running makes them ravenous and they think in the back of their mind, “I can eat that, I just ran 6 miles!” Then they end up consuming way more calories than they actually burned off.
5. Your friend ran one and you think you should too.
Just because it may SEEM like everyone has run a marathon (or a half), they haven’t. Although there are about 570 marathons a year, only .5% of the U.S. population has actually completed one.
6. The recovery time is NOT fun.
This is actually more so for a full marathon than a half. But basically, your body is wrecked after an event like this and needs some down time. Who wants to rest??? 😉
I have run half marathons in several different states and I will tell you Louisiana is by far my favorite place to run! The courses are flat (for the most part–where did that mountain come from right before mile 11? Who know Louisiana had a mountain? Okay, okay, it was an overpass. But at mile 11? really?) and the support is amazing (people will even make signs for you)! Nothing like hitting mile 10 and hearing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” blaring from a front lawn and having people hi-five you as you run by!
Congrats to Kevin Castille for winning the Half Marathon with a time of 1:08 and to Amanda LeFleur for completing the Marathon with a time that earned her a spot in the Boston Marathon. You two are an inspiration to us all!
Congratulations to all who participated. To all you other folks who ran, please send me your photos! email: connie@redlerilles.com