When is the right time or the perfect time to train for a full marathon?

Christina at Crazy Mama Runner asked that question last week in our Sweat Pink Ambassador group. She got varying responses but almost everyone agreed, there’s never a perfect time.

Everyone has their reason for running. A marathon is no easy feat so deciding to train for one isn’t an easy decision. I didn’t start running until Ally was 10. She was fairly self sufficient, didn’t keep me up all hours of the night crying so I may have a skewed outlook.

But, here are my thoughts anyway.

• Kids ages. Ally was 12 or so when I decided to train for my first full. I was already running before the sun came up while my family slept so it wasn’t a big adjustment. The biggest thing was my early bedtime. To get up at 4AM for a mid-week long run I had to go to bed by 9:30 at the latest. Sometimes I was in bed before Ally (still am). While I didn’t have the all night feedings and diaper changes, she had homework, sports, church, dinner had to be made, laundry done. All the other things that parents have to do.

• My age. Since I didn’t start running until I was about 35 I guess it’s never too late. I was 37 when I ran my first full. And my training partner was 40. So no age excuses.

• That pesky job. I train before the sun came up. I had to, still do. If I don’t, it won’t get done. I’m actually used to it now. Sure, there are days when I just want to skip it, but I have people waiting on me to show up. After working and dinner and all of Ally’s activities I have no time to run at night. I don’t even make it to the gym in the evenings either.

• Your pace. I don’t like that excuse. As long as you can finish in the posted time limit no reason not to do it. You can run it or run/walk it and it’s still a full marathon!

• Your family and friends will tell you not to. I still get “those” comments. Usually from non-running friends, about how running long distance is bad for my knees, etc. So was being 40+ pounds overweight with high cholesterol. I’m in better shape in my 30’s than I was in my 20’s.  Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you.

There are always going to be reasons not to train. But for every reason not to I could find a reason to do it. It wasn’t easy, there were days I wanted to quit and almost did. My running buddies can attest to that. It’s a huge accomplishment and you will feel like a rock star!

When you make the decision you want to do it, just do it.

Are you currently training for a marathon?

Just finished one?

Happy running! You are a rock star!

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. Proverbs 31:17

P.S. I love Proverbs 31!