Why run?

Many people will ask why run a marathon... and indeed why run at all? Well I will answer that in two ways...

1) Humans are designed to run...  we have been about for approx 2.5 million years and for 99.999999% of that time we have instinctively run and been very active. Only in the last 0.0000001% of human existence have we stopped exercising and stopped running....  I guess because we don't have to...    but by not running and not exercising I strongly beleive that we are damaging ourselves enormously both physically and mentally. We are not designed to stay still and be inactive.... and so much of the illnesses (both physical and mental) are as a result of people being inactive. I could go on for pages and pages about this subject..... but the basic science is that we need exercise to remain healthy and running is the most natural form of human physical activity. So many benefits can be achieved by exercise and being active..... and I want to get people motivated and aware of the benefits.... so if I can help do that in some way I am more than prepared to put myself through some pain to make people aware!

2) Why do a marathon....  I see it as a physical and mental challenge. Having a focus can be really beneficial as it can help motivate you and give you something to aim for in a positive way. Pushing yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve something special can do great things for your confidence and self-esteem... as well as giving you many obvious physical health benefits. During a marathon you go through so many emotions and so many highs and lows... but the overall result is going to be positive and help in some way to make you a better, stronger person. It is amazing what the human body can do and what humans can achieve if they put their mind to something and go for it....  just look at what Eddie Izzard achieved with his 43 marathons in 50 days.... amazing! And what did he keep saying....  this is what we humans are designed to do.... run!

Some people will be worried about doing a challenge like a marathon and rightly so...  people should be sensible and realistic but they shouldn't be afraid of pushing themselves. Some people will worry about failing in a challenge.... but my view is that you can never fail if you do a challenge, no matter what the outcome is.... failure is not trying in the first place. Failure is sitting at home worrying and not giving it a go..... anyone who makes the effort will never fail because they have done something positive and beneficial... they can learn from experiences and they can always try again or do something different....  but the rewards and benefits will outweigh any negatives and any pain!

Why do so many people run marathons? Why is the London marathon oversubscribed by 100,000 every year? Why do so many people do more than one marathon? Because it is a great experience..... and a life without challenge is boring!!

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Thanks

Charlie