10 Reasons Why Preparing For A Marathon Is A Meaningful Experience.

This Sunday, I will run the Zurich Marathon with my wife.

At D-4, still suffering from a bad cold, I can say that this preparation has been the hardest (physical and health problems).

But no matter what happens on Sunday, every preparation is a rewarding experience.

1/ The discipline of preparation.

A program lasts between 12 and 18 weeks. Your discipline will be put to the test.

2/Objective Vs. system.

I’m a fan of systems. It helps me to produce every day in different areas of my life.

But the goal also has its advantages.

The routines (my systems) rarely push me out of my comfort zone, the goal constantly does…which brings me to my next point.

3/Step out of your comfort zone.

This preparation took place from January to April. When it rains, it snows, you still have to go.

Each run has an objective, interval training, long-distance, and specific accelerations as part of the program.

4/ A medium-term project.

In a world where everything moves quickly, having a project over several months brings consistency and develops organizational qualities.

For my 40th birthday, I gave myself a special gift. Making an Iron Man. I have improved my time management tremendously thanks to this experience.

5/Manage your emotions.

Injuries, good and bad feelings follow each other. We go from “I have good legs” to “I wonder how I’m going to finish it.” A roller coaster that allows you to put your emotions into perspective.

6/ An unforgettable experience.

“The business of life is the acquisition of memories. At the end that’s all there is.”
— Downton Abbey

In his book “Die With Zero,” Bill Perkins praises experiments versus materials.

And what is a marathon? An unforgettable experience.

7/Search and find your method.

I’ve already run 4 road marathons, I am finishing the preparation for this 5th one and I still haven’t found my method. The one that will allow me to pass the 30 km wall without too much damage.

There are as many methods as there are runners. Realizing your project means searching, reading, meeting, testing…

8/ Learn to know yourself better.

I just finished a long run where I felt particularly good.

What did I eat the day before?

How many hours of sleep did I get?

How fast did I start?

Keeping a project log will help you find your method.

9/ Crazy energy.

10,000, 20,000 people gathered to celebrate the end of their project.

There is a mixture of tension (Will I make it? ) and joy (I’ve made it this far).

Rare are the events that make you live such an experience.

10/ Inspire someone.

Remember your craziest projects. Isn’t there always someone who inspired you?

Your friends, family, and spectators on the side who happily high-five you, they are all potential candidates. One of them might be inspired by your effort.

For this fifth marathon, my wife lit the spark for me.

What will be your next project?

Related articles:
Goals Versus Systems. Why You Should Combine The Two.