Why should i run a marathon ?

Considering that the first person ever to run a marathon died and that Chuck Norris did not run a marathon this is a fair question to ask. I've run two marathons now, Dublin 2013 in 3:58, Frankfurt 2014 in 4:06 and for me Marathon running was the start of a better life. Since i became a marathon runner i am more fit, a better example to my stepson & stepdaughter, have more money in the bank and i am more happy all around. If those reasons are not good enough for you, be my guest.

1. Reason: You will learn to make a plan and stick to it

You do not run a marathon an a whim. I have witnessed people die doing it because they did not know their limits (as it happened unfortunately in the Dublin 2013 marathon.). It takes at least half a year to two years preparation depending on your fitness level and which time you are aiming for. You will make time for your runs on weekdays and weekends which will include getting up earlier to still have productive time with your loved ones. All of this will eliminate sloth in your life and have positive effects on your work & relationships, because you will quite literally cut out the crap.

2. Reason: You will get more alert

Generally being more outside will get more air to your brain which will increase the productivity of your brain. My best ideas in the last two years have been during or directly after a run which I applied to my daily life. It is also private time you will not have otherwise because the house is full of kids or your partner has a chat about their day. It is switching off will being active.

3. Reason: You will have achieved something special

Running a Marathon is like writing a book or doing a back flip. It is not easy and the feeling you get once you step over the line is great and can not be bought for money. Everybody is equal when you run. You will go through pain, highs and lows but in the end you will know, feel and have the right to tell others that you did something unique.

4. Reason: You will get more healthy

Inevitably you will drink less alcohol and take care of your diet to not risk your marathon training and make it to be all in vain. The money saved on alcohol will come in handy to take the family out to cinema or a fancy dinner. Your choice

5. Reason: You will get a better job / promotion more easy

What better criteria to check if someone has the stamina to do a job and take on more responsibility when they managed to change their daily routines to run a marathon, got the result and are happy during the struggle. That is the kind of material leaders are made of. Consistency and persistence until the very end to reach the finish line.

Since i started my marathon story my salary increased by 20%, i started my own web page, my girlfriend and friends ask me about how i stay in such good form, if i have a bad day at work I have another source of accomplishment which makes me feel good and assures me that I can achieve great things if I put my mind and hard work to it. If this is not reason enough for you, i do not know what else to say. Let me know what you think in the comments.