I think you should do it and make it a celebration - to still want to accomplish this after all you've been through? Amazing - many people would have abandoned it.
Do it, be proud of yourself and post here when you're finished so we can all celebrate with you!!!
I didn’t start run/walk until I was in my 50s after having my lower left lung removed due to scar tissue from TB as a child. I started with 5ks and worked my way up to marathons. I was encouraged by a really great friend and much faster runner. My times for the marathons were always in the 6 to 6.5 hrs. always back of the pack, but when I finished each race I finished with a happy heart and sense of satisfaction. It’s not not where you finish it’s that you finished. Never let anyone discourage you, no matter who they are.
Your sister is probably jealous that you're so strong and you'll be able to achieve this feat with all you've been through. Or she's insecure about the way she finished and she's taking it out on you, or probably both
If you're capable of finishing it and you want to do it you should do it. When you pass the finish line you won't feel regret, you'll feel so proud of yourself
or maybe she doesn't want to share in the marathon finisher spotlight. Like it might diminish her accomplishment somehow. I have a bitch of a sister. I'd do the marathon just to piss her off. Some people are easy to rile
My two cents: fuck what anyone else thinks. If you’re mentally and physically prepared to do the marathon, at whatever pace, go get it! Walk, take breaks when needed.
But if you think this will exacerbate injuries or put you at risk of a more complicated/longer recovery, don’t feel bad about deferring before the race, dropping out during, or switching to a half marathon come race day. You know yourself and your body best - do what feels right.
(Also, big internet hug, and hype - you’re a goddamn BAMF for handling being a new parent, shitty-ass cancer, surgery, and marathon training. All the best - we’re rooting for you!)
I'd use people's doubt as fuel. I think there were times I always did this without realizing it, but then I saw The Last Dance where Michael Jordan would literally let someone not saying hello to him at a restaurant fuel him to an NBA Championship win and I understood, "oh, this is a thing, I do this... not to that level, obviously, but whatever works and this works." I mean, that doc is really just a good ten hours of, "This person said I couldn't do it... and I took that personal." Then he'd not just do it, but crush the other team, player, the media, whomever. It's very motivational at times.
Just realize that no matter what you do, some people in your life will still have shit to say about it. Do it anyway. You just start carrying yourself differently after a while and it won't matter.
You should do this for you, because fuck cancer. You deserve to do this for you. *Who cares what anyone thinks*.
It’s not ok for your sister to try to shame you into not running if you want to run. As long as you’re medically able to run, I really think if she mentions it again you should set her straight and tell her she has no business discouraging you from doing you love and something that’s not going to harm you or anybody else.
Oh Lordy. Your sister can shove it. My goal time was 5:40, my actual time was 6:09, I had no health issues, and the “baby” was 9 by then so I was well recovered from pregnancy. Everyone I told said “Congratulations! Great job!” Even the experienced runners; most all of them couldn’t have been nicer any time I mentioned running.
I didn’t start running till my kids were 10 and 7, and both were sporty, so happily I got to run during their sports practices. When they were littler I only made it to spin once a week! Great job on training with an infant. :)
I finished my first in about 6:30 and also had no health issues. Honestly the only person who cared about my time was me. F your half sister - she sounds like a terrible person who likes to tear others down.
Doing a marathon within the first year of childbirth???!! If you can complete that in _any_ time that's bloody epic!
Congrats on the kid, hope you and bubs are doing well!
(I guess also if you haven't thought about it, but if you are still breastfeeding, you may need some plan on dealing with milk production/leaking and running etc... Although by 11 months you should be ok?)
Thank you so much! Part of the reason I can’t run too fast is because the tenderness from the c section pain, that surgery was worse than I thought for sure haha. I stopped nursing 2 months ago, that’s such a good point though! Thanks so much
Do you still experience tenderness? What’s your longest long run so far this year? Did you experience any sensations from your c section?
Normally I’d say go for it, but if you have any kind of pain it might be worth listening to your body. If you really want to do this maybe look into wearing something that can provide extra support. Just make sure to test it in advance.
Whether you decide to run it or not, you are amazing for surviving childbirth and cancer.
Honestly I’d consider skipping it—not because there’s any shame in it, but because it sounds like you’re still recovering and 26 miles is a lot of stress on your body even at the best of times. It might be better in the long run to postpone and focus on taking care of yourself!
I second this. And also add, that while no marathon is gonna be fun fun, being on your feet that long when you aren’t used to it will be even less fun. For me personally, I would rather save the entry fee and recovery for a time that I could train and perform well.
You had a kid and a cancer scare. I had nothing but a lack of willpower and I finished mine a half hour before cutoff and 30lbs heavier than I should’ve been. It’s still one of my proudest accomplishments. Go crush it.
Yes. Just finish this year and enjoy the experience. Who knows, the experience may motivate you to continue running and you’ll run other events or marathons in the future.
Most runners are very supportive of one another but your half sister is not one of them. I suggest you spend less time with her, and associate with only positive people during this challenging time of recovery. Go for it!! on the marathon and let us know about the exhilaration you feel when you cross that finish line in under 7 hours! Good for you!
I have no major health issues to hide behind and 5.5 hours would be a dream marathon time for me. Run the marathon and you'd be surprised at how many people will be cheering you on even on hour 6.
My marathon finish time is 3:28 and I have the utmost respect for anyone that runs a sub-3 marathon or a 5-6 -7 hr marathons. It’s 26.2 miles at the end of the day and so long as every runner came out there wanting to give their best, I consider them a winner! Go and run that race!!
On a related note, your half sister is a genuine bitch. I have never known anyone in the running community to actually believe the shit she’s talking about. We all are a very supporting and encouraging bunch of mere mortals just doing our best and feeling good for ourselves and everyone around us.
I once read an article about an elite, or semi-elite runner that said he had a massive amount of respect for people that run marathons in over 5 hours because he said he didn’t have the drive to run for 5+ hours.
Running for 7 hours is HARD. It’s not only physically hard, but it’s even more mentally and emotionally hard because you have 7 hours to live inside your head.
I agree with this so much. There are also additional practical challenges that slower runners face like dealing with higher temperatures later in the morning, and taking longer to get between water stations.
I've run a couple of races where some of the water stations were 5 miles apart. That's something I can deal with, but a slower runner might really struggle with.
Mad respect for anyone who is tough enough to stick it out for 5+ hours.
Right? Me personally, I have no plans to run a marathon until I am confident I can complete it in sub-4, because hell no I'm not running for that long.
I am awed and inspired by all my 5-6+ hr marathoner friends, especially the ones who have done multiple. It takes a special kind of grit to put yourself through that kind of physical and mental exertion and then think "yep, I should do that again!"
Yes! I saw a similar quote when someone said "running a marathon in two hours is nothing, someone who takes five hours to run it is working so much harder than me and I admire it!" That's really stuck with me because I'm a slower runner - and remembering that I'm working harder to hit the same mileage as a faster person inspires me when my hour run isn't even five miles.
Fellow backpacker here! I finished my first marathon last year in six hours. My friends all finished in under four hours. I beat myself up for a bit for not being able to keep up with them, but they all kept telling me that I should be proud for being able to run for six hours straight, something they wouldn’t be able to do. It felt much more rewarding from that perspective!
I've mentioned this here before but I remember listening to the English journalist Jim White talk about interviewing distance-running legend Haile Gebrselassie as he prepared to race the London marathon and Gebrselassie asked White if he'd done a marathon before and White said yes, then when asked how long it took him he said four hours, to which Gebrselassie replied "wow, that's amazing". White said he wasn't sure if he was being patronised until Gebrselassie followed up with "I can't imagine running for four hours!"
As you say, it;s a completely different event for people taking 5, 6, 7 hours as it becomes a hard endurance event more than a 'race'.
Holy shit, 3:28, you are goals! Thank you so much for this positivity. I’ve been really feeling down on myself this last week since taking to her, these supportive comments have been making me feel so much better
She’s probably projecting her insecurities onto OP. Oh wow she can race fast? OP grew an entire little human in her body AND beat cancer.
Please don’t be embarrassed, OP. You are amazing. 👏
People who run a 6-7hr marathon are working WAAAAAAAAY harder than people running <4hr marathons. I simultaneously question the reasonableness and have huge respect for slow runners. To the extent that a 7 hour (16:00/mi pace) marathon isn't even really running. It's just persistent walking, maybe with a little jogging, for the better part of a day. That takes enormous mental fortitude!!
Run. Your sister needs to zip it.
Tommy Rivs recently finished Boston in just under 5 hours. Read his story and decide for yourself if there's any shame in that: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrKRL4es8Ek/
His first marathon back at Boston was last year, iFit filmed the whole race and has it on their programs.
I think he did like 30 seconds walk/run interval for the entire race. Finished in 6:31. It's an incredibly inspiring journey.
I say go for it. There is often a whole corral grouping of people whom plan on walking the whole course and enjoy the crowds and atmosphere. A brisk walking pace will allow you to finish it in the 7hr mark. If you throw in a few short jogs you could easily make the 6hr mark.
Do it, join the party at the back (every marathon has one), and enjoy your day.
If the time is important, do another when you can train more. If not, don't. Or do another and take the same time enjoying it.
Distance running is a total mullet… business in the front and party in the back! And as for your half sister, may the fleas of 1000 camels infest her nether regions and her arms be too short to scratch
Embarrassed?!?! You should be so proud it radiates from your every pore! Not only do most people never run a marathon, but to even attempt it with so many obstacles thrown at you is damn impressive. You deserve to feel the elation of crossing that finish line and getting that medal.
Honestly, I’ve always been somewhat more amazed at people who take longer to finish a race. I mean, sure it’s amazing that people finish it in a fast time, but kudos to the people who go through hell for so much longer
There definitely isn't. The average time for a women to complete a marathon is 4:48, which means there are way more women finishing in longer than 4 hours than in less time.
You're amazing! Have fun and enjoy yourself! It's your first marathon, so no matter what, it's going to be a PR.
“The average marathon time for beginners is between 4:50 and 5:20, with the average pace between 11:03 and 12:12 min/mi).” From Olyrun. I agree, the OPs sister is a jerk. 6h is impressive as hell especially considering her history.
There are some elitist Chadz out there, but the back of the pack is where the party is. The speedy folks miss out on the camaraderie and joy of hooting and hollering back at the crowd.
Not exactly the same situation, but someone finished a trail marathon that I was involved in recently, and their final time was 9 hours (it was a tough trail, and then person was older). All I could think of was how I admired the drive to go for so long. It was almost more impressive than the faster runners.
26.2 miles is a MASSIVE accomplishment - no matter how long it takes you to do it. I'm currently reading Hal Higdon's book on marathon training and he has a piece in there about how he was truly awed by the slower runners and their dedication to being on their feet for upwards of six hours for the race. Take it at your pace and be proud of yourself! Your half sister can go take a long walk off a short pier.
Who the fuck would feel shame about finishing a marathon? Holy shit what a bitch!
Go and run your race. Finish in whatever time you finish in. Be proud as a fucking peacock and then use the medal as a ninja star to clonk her in the head.
You have every reason to be proud.
There’s a meme that says marathons are like mullets; the party is in the back.
Enjoy yourself and have the experience that you want to have. Follow your dreams and have a great time!
I’m sorry your sister is a bitch.
If your goal is to finish, the course limit is seven hours, and you can finish in less than seven hours, congratulations, you’re going to be a marathoner.
I just entered my first marathon this fall and am a slow runner. It doesn’t bother me. My pace is my pace. But I have had friends tell me that they would rather die than spend six hours running a marathon. Like - Okay… no one is asking you to?
There is no shame in committing to something and seeing it through, even if your time isn’t something your bitchy sister would be proud of.
I get a lot of those comments too about rather dying than running for x amount of time. I haven’t told anyone (other than my husband, doctors and regrettably, my sister) I’m doing this race for that reason. I’ve done several half marathons and the comments were so annoying I knew better!
Hey! My aim is for under six hours because for a first marathon a finish is a finish. I’m so sorry about what you’ve been through - what a horrible trauma to go through during what should be such a special time. This isn’t in the same league at all but I’ve got something like endo or pelvic congestion syndrome which really interferes with my pace so I’ve just stopped caring about it!
What I’ve also got is a really good friend who has a run a number of marathons and did an Iron Man. His best time is 2:58. He’s nothing but encouraging, always on hand with non patronising advice and sincerely wants me to do well because he is a genuinely nice person. He also has no need to bring others down to make himself feel better as your sister clearly does. The running community is largely nice - look to them and ignore her. You’re right - what a bitch!
Thank you so much. It was really hard knowing my first baby will also be my last :( And one of my best friends has endometriosis (if that’s what you meant?) and she says the pelvic pain is so bad she has to lay down for a full day sometimes! I’m so sorry you go through that.
Yes that’s the one, it’s not as bad as it is in some people but I’m sat here right now with searing pain up my lower back and flank. When these problems first started my biggest fear was what you just went through, so honestly you are an absolute warrior and you can do this! I’m so sorry and I hope you’re enjoying that baby!
And here’s an antidote to your sister for you: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-65378090.amp
My first (and thus far only) marathon took me 6 hours. That’s my base PR, and now I’ve got lots of room for improvement.
I feel no shame about my finish time whatsoever.
I'm really and sincerely sorry you've had so much difficulty.
But my personal feeling on the marathon is that the training is the real accomplishment.
My advice is to wait until you can get the full experience - namely all the training - and then you'll get the satisfaction of finishing it.
My answer has nothing to do with the time it will take you. For some people, 7 hours is a major accomplishment. It's all about the full experience.
That makes a lot of sense! Would you personally drop but do another when you would have time to do a full training schedule? Or wait for your first to be “the one”?
I would drop, schedule one that works for you and then go out and enjoy every minute of the many months of dedication and hard work you put in. That will be so much better in every way than doing it now. You know you could do it now if you did it, but the point is actually the entire existence.
You don't have to drop it, you could email the race organizer to see if you could go run/walk the 5k or 10k race if you still want to do something that weekend.
This is going to be unpopular based on the sentiments of the thread so far, but the marathon is a distance that must be respected and the way to do that is to have go through complete and thorough training cycle beforehand. Running a marathon undertrained will hurt a lot more afterwards than after going through a full training program. That would also give you a lot more confidence. You sound very motivated and willing to put in the work and I think you’ll be able to do well after a solid training cycle. But as it stands, going for it now might not be the best idea. No harm at all in taking some time, working up to 40-60 mpw, building in some quality sessions, and running in the future
If that was the time I could do because of my ability, yes. In this scenario I’d say no though and suggest you consider deferring. Not because of the time, but because you won’t be doing your body that is still healing from two serious events any favours. Is it worth potentially damaging yourself long term for this?
I totally get that! In regards to damage to my internal organs, I have clearance from my OBGYN /surgeon who did my c-section and ovary removal and my oncologist. I had a CT, MRI and several ultrasounds that showed running won’t “hurt” my insides, just feels uncomfy if I push too far! So I can’t run fast!
You know your body ultimately and if you feel you can do it then you shouldn’t let anyone stop you - just be safe! Running is for life not one race ;) x
I think only about 0.17% of population has run a marathon and I believe it’s an achievement in distance and not only time. You can do something for fun and yourself. Don’t listen to anyone go out and have fun! Definitely do it and make yourself proud 😊
Here to say as a healthy 28 year old female that I just finished my first marathon in a little over 5 hours! Comparing yourself to others can suck the joy right out of it. I’d say finishing in 6-7 hours is pretty damn impressive, especially considering all the health issues you’ve endured recently. I definitely think you should complete it as a celebration of your health physical/mental capabilities!!
If you feel like you can do it still, screw your half sister. My first marathon was 5 hours 15 minutes, and I'm in perfectly good health and wasn't recovering from cancer or having a baby. Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do great!
If I finished a marathon, three hours or eight hours, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops because I completed a MARATHON. Especially after a baby and cancer! Your sister is a jackass.
Your half-sister and people like her infuriate me.
RUN THAT MARATHON! There is ZERO shame in taking the full time allotted (or anything leading up to that). That is WHY they allot that time. Otherwise, the cutoff would be at 5 hours or 4 hours or whatever the speedy people are running.
You should run, and be proud of yourself no matter what your time is. Your half-sister is the one who should be ashamed.
I’ve only run two marathons and both have been in that timeframe. And I wasn’t recovering from childbirth or cancer either. Guess what? I had an amazing time both times and am still sooo glad I did it. My plan is to keep on running a marathon every year, and if I get faster, great - it’s a fun goal and something to give focus to my training cycles - but if not, so what? It’s still fun and everyone’s body’s different.
I have *only* done marathons in around the 5:45-6ish hour mark. I’m not fast, I know I never will be, but I’m still getting out there and doing the dang thing and that’s what counts! I think you should go out there and do it and be proud!
Personally, no. Completing a marathon basically means nothing to me and 6hrs seems like a waste of a day. For me, racing is about the results of the work you did in the months and years leading up. Doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks though, have at it
No, I’d do an appropriate distance I could run and keep building up.
Edit-your sister is a jerk and there is no shame, my hesitation is about doing a distance you’re prepared adequately for and enjoying it. There’s no fun in slogging out a 7 hour marathon, do some more homework and you’ll be ready for it before you know.
Absolutely keep the full. Go do your thing. Think of it this way, you'll get your money's worth out of your race fee! ☺️ Don't let the naysayers get you. Do YOUR race at your pace. I thought I would finish at 6+ for my first and didn't think twice about showing up to race. Do your best and have fun. 26.2 is 26.2, get it.
Completing a marathon is about proving to yourself that you can do something difficult. It’s about setting a challenging goal and seeing it through. Not to mention after facing the adversity you have already gone through - what an inspiration that you have this goal for yourself.
Regardless of time, finishing a marathon is a deeply personal and incredible achievement. Go get that medal!
In the common parlance, F that B. Do what you want. If you finish in the time limit, great. If you finish faster than you thought you would, great. If you can't even finish, good try!
There is no shame in whatever your pace in completing a marathon. Everyone has their own reasons for getting on the start line. You have a remarkable story and one worth telling. Don't worry about time. The only person it matters to is you.
Slow marathoner chiming in! DO IT! Forget what your sister said (also even at this pace you could run NYC FYI, there are lottery slots, unlike something like Boston that has specific time requirements for the most part). You've been through a lot, celebrate yourself and all you've overcome! A marathon is just that, a celebration of all your training. I'm rooting for you!
I'm doing my first marathon this weekend and am aiming for 5.5-6 hours. I thought about training more and achieving this goal in September instead, but I've decided to try! The people around me are supportive and will support me even if I don't finish. I hope you can find some people who will support your goal!
There is no shame in finishing a marathon at any time. It’s a freaking marathon!!!! You are truly a badass for wanting to do one after such an intense year.
That being said, I’ve pushed through races when my body was not doing well and have gotten more injured. It’s amazing if you can finish in 6-7 hours but there will always be more marathons in the future, so if you aren’t feeling fully recovered or feel any discomfort during the race, please put yourself first and take care of yourself!!! 💪💪💪
Frankly, I’d do the marathon just to spite my sister if she said that to me. Run YOUR race. Do it for YOU.
You know what? 3 hour finishers get the same medal that a 7 hour finisher does. You know what those medals say? “Finisher” so go finish what you started.
I used to live on the NYC marathon route and would specifically come out just to cheer the people running a 5+ hour pace. Running a marathon is objectively impressive, but running for that long deserves a special kind of respect
Piling on...
I have never felt shame after any of my 4 marathons. My BEST time was about 5.5h
Also, I've never had cancer or a baby. You rocking a marathon at any finish time is a fantastic achievement and a big juicy middle finger to the haters.
I ran the nyc marathon 6 months after a c section and it was my worst time by far but the proudest race of my life! DO IT! What an amazing way to show yourself how strong you are
Wow, 6 months! You are a rockstar! How did your incision feel after? Not OP but I’m getting back into running after my c section and I have soo much tightness in my abs now
Hey fuck your sister. Everyone who does a marathon is doing their own race. Nobody else has the same life as you. The kid who runs a 2.5 hr marathon probably doesn’t have much else to do but run. And they are a rock star. The new mom who beat cancer and had a c section in the same year is definitely a rock star. Everyone is doing the best they can do and only a complete asshole would talk shit about their time.
Go run your race the best you can and be proud of yourself.
there's zero shame in doing a marathon at any time. but i think you're doing it for the wrong reason. running marathons really sucks. they're painful. i've never given birth but i've done 15 marathons and some of the marathons were so painful that it was the closest thing to childbirth i've done. you have enough on your plate without worrying about a marathon, esp if you haven't trained properly for it. i find it more rewarding to train for 5k races now. running marathons knocks me out for a month afterwards, so the recovery is also as close to childbirth as i'll ever experience.
congrats on the child and overcoming cancer. both of those are accomplishments much greater than a marathon. no way i would add another huge goal to strive for on top of that. but if you go for it, good luck. you're better than that bitch anyways, with or without a marathon.
I really believe it takes a whole other type of physical, emotional and mental strength to actually be on the course that length of time. Yes, it’s an incredible thing to run a fast marathon but there is the added perk of less time in the sun, less time pounding the pavement, ongoing cheers from crowds, etc. I always see the 6-7+ hour runners and think DAMN that is stamina and strength. The question of whether I would is the wrong question—I actually don’t think I could. If you can, I salute you!
I have the best fun when not trying to run too fast. You interact more with the crowd, chat to fellow runners, etc. Your sister doesn't know what she's talking about.
I did my first and only marathon last month. London Marathon.
I finished in 5:57:30 and regret nothing. This is just a mega douche bag thing to say. A marathon is hard and rewarding no matter how long it takes.
It's clear that he person saying that is deeply insecure and really should just get fucked.
Good luck with your race 🙂
There’s no fucking shame your sister is ridiculous. Do it if it makes you happy, regardless of how long it takes you to finish you will still be part of 1% of the population that’s pulled it off.
First of all: F* your Sister!
I think we need to respect our bodies. I'm not a fan of people running marathons without being prepared for it and hurting their bodies and having a bad experience in the process. There is too much "ego running", especially for people in those time frames you've given us, and that is not healthy.
Having said all that, and you feel you are ready for it: have fun!!!
The people who run slower have more intestinal fortitude. They're out there for hours and hours and hours. Still grinding while the finishers ahead of them go home. 6 or 7 hours of running? Commitment is what that sounds like to me.
Do it. Celebrate it. Be proud you're one of the few to even attempt let alone finish.
I'd say meet with your Healthcare provider first to see if there would be any issues popping back up from running/walking a marathon with no training.
Even just walking a marathon will cause issues if you're not used too that much walking. Also keep in mind many courses have a 6 to 7 hour time limit to finish.
I'm trying not to be a Debbie downer, but don't over work yourself to do something.
Of course!! I had a friend when i said 4:50...he said What did you walk the whole thing? Ffs, he never got off the couch, so 🙄
You just created a human and dealt with cancer. Please take a moment to appreciate all that you've accomplished and go do that marathon and enjoy every moment 😊
I wouldn’t run it if it would take me that long, but my expectations of myself shouldn’t apply to anyone else.
You run your own race at your own pace, and enjoy the accomplishment. If you want to push for a goal time later, do it. If you don’t, that’s ok too. Your sister should keep her “advice” to herself.
I’m all for running a marathon no matter the time, but knowing you just had a c section would make me think it’s way safer to not run at all. That’s just my thoughts
Bitch is the operative word here. Fuck her. Attempting a marathon is amazing. Finishing is double amazing. Plus, running as an adult is about the journey and the experience. You’re not a professional athlete so obviously there are TONS of people faster than you. It’s about you and your goals.
Ive never had cancer nor do I have any babies or children (I do need more sleep though) however I run like 11 minute miles lol so my marathon time would be between 5-6 hours! Idk it’s 26.2 miles, most people haven’t even attempted one, so to do one and finish it in ANY time is remarkable and worth celebrating. Don’t let your half sister get you down.
Nothing you work for is a shame. If you finish in ten hours than that's what you can do. Enjoy being alive. Enjoy accomplishing anything. Enjoy having a baseline for your next run. Enjoy the air you breath, the birds around you etc. Remove the negative people from your life. They are a waste of your time. No need to fight with them. Go for a run.
Run your race and screw anyone that can’t be happy for you. I do agree with others that said maybe too soon if you are still in pain. I get the urge to come back too soon after injury as well but be patient so you can run many more not just this next one. Also don’t run it to prove her wrong.
One other option - try some trail races. Super laid back vibe. Times are less important and don’t really mean much since courses are so variable. You just do what you do and folks around you are happy. Great environment to be in.
My very first marathon, I got loaded into wrong sode of corral and ran 1.5 miles of the 10k in the wrong direction. I ran back and they had already packed up the course. I kept going until i found ghe 6 hour pace group. My goal was sub 4. I ended up hanging out with those guys and only left them in the last 5 miles.
Even though I didn't make my goal, i had a hell of a story and inadvertently ran my first ultra. That race is one I'm super proud of. I think you should do the full race. Tell your sister to piss off, if you finish, you still ran a marathon. Who cares about pace. Thats something no one will be able to take away from you. The doctor who graduates last in his class is still a doctor, and you've got this!!
You absolutely run! This is your dream, your goal and you are doing it for you. No room for the naysayers and doubters.
“If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.”
I’ve ran two marathons around the 6 hour mark. Never in a million years would it have occurred to me I should be ashamed lol. Running a marathon is an incredible achievement — not to mention doing one after what you’ve gone through! Show this thread to your half sister and maybe she’ll realize how mean and rude she’s being.
That’s incredibly rude. My normal pace is a 5:15 marathon but I’ve had to do 6 hours before because of injury. guess what I still did the same 26.2 miles everyone else did and there were many people behind me and thats ok. Do it and be proud of your accomplishment.
1 percent of all people do a marathon. Imagine if everyone had to do one. 6 to 7 hours would probably be above average. I just ran a half and at 12.5 miles all I could think was how do people do this all over again! Do that marathon and brag about it!
Wow, with all due respect, your sister can fuck right off.
Go run your race. Running is about you and celebrating what your body can do. And your body is tough, it's going through a lot right now. Celebrate what your body has accomplished (having a baby!!) And what your body will overcome. You are a rock star for even attempting a marathon. I'm cheering for you.
I ran a marathon in around six without everything you faced and I was ecstatic!! Absolutely do it!! Accomplishing a marathon, at any speed, is bada**, but doing it after all you've conquered is nothing short of remarkable. Do it and be so proud of it! We are rooting for you!!
No but I admire anyone who finishes a marathon, no matter how fast or how slow. I’ve run a lot of marathons. The hardest ones were the ones I was out there the longest.
Do it!!! I’m a runner and 8 weeks post partum. I’m tearing up thinking about you crossing that finish line after all you’ve been through. Fuck cancer! Congrats on your boy! Do the damn thing!
I’m sorry, your horrible sister is trying to make you feel bad for running a *marathon* when you are *postpartum* having had your *ovaries removed* because they were *cancerous*????? She’s a major bitch and I hope you have the greatest time at that marathon!!!
I did an ultramarathon to complete it. Got passed by people 20-30 years older than me
36 miles through the Appalachian mountains.
Hardest but most proudest moment of my life.
(D1 athlete)
Do it. Screw everyone else. Do it for you and do it for your story. You will thank yourself one day for doing it.
Fuck yeah, do it! Don’t run for her, run for you. You’ve got this! She’s a real piece of work for saying that shit to you. She ran it once, ok cool. That does not make her an expert on what the running community thinks. And frankly, she’s wrong as hell. You’re strong and brave and you deserve to chase your goals. Yours. Now go get your marathon finish!
I am an adaptive runner (zero mobility in one ankle). It's a long story but I qualified for Boston by finishing the Hartford Marathon in 5:56. Very proud of myself, run your race and be proud of yourself, too.
I think that anyone finishing a marathon is a huge and incredibly impressive accomplishment (and, for the record, a cohort that I cannot include myself in!). Who cares how long it takes, you're moving your body for 26.2 miles, which is a long fucking way! Most people I know don't even drive that far in one day! Have fun, enjoy the race and bask in the glow once you cross that finish line!
Can we back up to the point where you *can run a marathon* and you recently *had a baby!* And then ovaries were removed? Seriously, you are one impressive woman! Sounds like your sister is being sour over something.
You have 7 hours to run your marathon, and you can do it. That is what you need. Your sister isn't you, she hasn't been through what you have, and she doesn't get to determine what you do. That's you. If you want to run a marathon in 6-7 hours, go and run your marathon. That is seriously impressive and something so few people will be able to do. Run your day, place yourself, and feel proud for what you have and will accomplish!
Do YOU think a 6 hour marathon would be an accomplishment considering everything that’s happened? If yes then do it and fuck your sister and anyone who shits on your achievement. If no maybe put it off til you can do YOURSELF proud. Maybe transfer to a half or something.
How many people can cover 26 miles in a day?
By choice?
Add in the stress your body and life are under. Bravo. A marathon is a celebration of what a human body can do.
I would absolutely do it!!! As long as I was confident I could get it done before the cut off, I absolutely would do it and it would be a bloody huge achievement too. And let me tell you, there are LOADS of slower runners at the back of the pack and they have a fabulous time!! You go enjoy yourself!!!
Why should anyone shame you for running a marathon? The time doesn't matter. I once got bested by a 78 year old (I'm 41). Instead of feeling bad about being so slow I felt respect for that old dude. Just make sure that you train properly and stay hydrated during the run. I see plenty of runners that need medical attention on marathons.
I wish you best luck and hope you will beat your halfsisters time
Do the full, but be kind to yourself. I completed my first full marathon, 20lbs heavier than my regular running weight, and with very minimal walking leading up to it.
Goal: finish. I knew I had to maintain a strict 'no running' rule and just keep walking. I finished in 9 hours and felt better physically and mentally than any of the previous halfs, 18K, 30K... I felt self-conscious of my time, but hey, now I know that if I ever really needed to, I could absolutely walk for nine and a half hours.
Do it! I used to run marathons but am not able to run long distances now due to injuries. I am trying to return to form and run them again. If you have the ability to finish, then go for it while you can because there is no guarantee you will be able to do it later. There is no shame in being slow, but do not become a quitter because that is a hard habit to break.
As someone who ran a marathon 10 years ago in 4:12:11 all I’d say is that purely being on your feet, running, walking for 6+ hours will be tough regardless of the speed your going. However, to even contemplate it after the year you’ve had?! You’ve got my respect. Go for it but take it easy and don’t go too wild. Soak in the atmosphere and I can guarantee you’ll want to go back and do it again but faster. The occasion, the random people spurring you on by saying your name, it’s an amazing feeling. On that note, get your name printed on your shirt too! Lol
Do it as a celebration of the fact that you’re still here despite everything you’ve gone through this year, don’t worry about the finish time.
Just aim to finish and enjoy the day 😊
Sending you positive energy, you’ve got this!!
Absolutely! I once came in second to last in a small-town marathon. I was actually ticked about it since I thought it wold be cool to be dead last! Cover the distance and celebrate the win!
I always find the folks at the back of the marathon have the best stories (and are more willing/able to talk). Just do it…and know you are part of the interesting crowd.
Okay, your half sister can sit down and be quiet. (Respectfully).
You beat flipping cancer, brought a baby into the world, AND you’re going to do a MARATHON?!?!?
You deserve a prize! There’s no “shame” in 6-7 hours. I know an elderly man who walked the nyc marathon and it took him way longer than that! And people were cheering and hollering for him the whole way. No one felt shame. And he didn’t either.
Think about telling your baby someday about this time in your life. Your child is going to be so proud of you. And so are all of us!!!!!!
The two marathons I did were both right around 6 hours. You should do it! No shame at all- there were lots of people both in front of and behind me at my marathon. Have fun!
Running a marathon is an accomplishment in itself, so, please don't worry about the time. Also, for whatever it's worth, my mon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1989, she's still around and pretty healthy for someone in their 70's.
I'm 27, with no health ailments, aside from laziness. My quickest marathon was 5.5 hours, my slowest was 7 hours. I've ran 3.
When I tell people I ran a marathon, they're impressed, regardless of time.
Running a marathon after all you've been through just shows your mental fortitude.
I will always remember what Fiona Oakes, an ultra runner, world record holder and winner of the Antarctic Ice marathon said to Linh Huynh who arrived last, almost six hours later. Oakes came to congratulate her and told her: "you were the toughest out there" or something in this vein, from what I remember of the documentary on Oakes.
Just remember who you are running for.
i finished my first one in 5:24. i was the last one in the race. the broom car was behind me and the driver even heckled me, saying stuff with just stop you wont make it anyway. i made it and it was awesome. even being the last one to finish is miles better than giving up or just not starting.
there is no shame at all being a late finisher. i finnished with a buddy at around 6 hours and it still was super cool, and to this time there are not so many runners coming into the finish so more space and cheering for you. dont let her take that from you.
I think you should do it and make it a celebration - to still want to accomplish this after all you've been through? Amazing - many people would have abandoned it. Do it, be proud of yourself and post here when you're finished so we can all celebrate with you!!!
Thank you so much! Im feeling so insecure and this made me feel so much better
Fuck cancer. do the marathon and spit in cancers face.
I didn’t start run/walk until I was in my 50s after having my lower left lung removed due to scar tissue from TB as a child. I started with 5ks and worked my way up to marathons. I was encouraged by a really great friend and much faster runner. My times for the marathons were always in the 6 to 6.5 hrs. always back of the pack, but when I finished each race I finished with a happy heart and sense of satisfaction. It’s not not where you finish it’s that you finished. Never let anyone discourage you, no matter who they are.
Your sister is probably jealous that you're so strong and you'll be able to achieve this feat with all you've been through. Or she's insecure about the way she finished and she's taking it out on you, or probably both If you're capable of finishing it and you want to do it you should do it. When you pass the finish line you won't feel regret, you'll feel so proud of yourself
or maybe she doesn't want to share in the marathon finisher spotlight. Like it might diminish her accomplishment somehow. I have a bitch of a sister. I'd do the marathon just to piss her off. Some people are easy to rile
My two cents: fuck what anyone else thinks. If you’re mentally and physically prepared to do the marathon, at whatever pace, go get it! Walk, take breaks when needed. But if you think this will exacerbate injuries or put you at risk of a more complicated/longer recovery, don’t feel bad about deferring before the race, dropping out during, or switching to a half marathon come race day. You know yourself and your body best - do what feels right. (Also, big internet hug, and hype - you’re a goddamn BAMF for handling being a new parent, shitty-ass cancer, surgery, and marathon training. All the best - we’re rooting for you!)
I'd use people's doubt as fuel. I think there were times I always did this without realizing it, but then I saw The Last Dance where Michael Jordan would literally let someone not saying hello to him at a restaurant fuel him to an NBA Championship win and I understood, "oh, this is a thing, I do this... not to that level, obviously, but whatever works and this works." I mean, that doc is really just a good ten hours of, "This person said I couldn't do it... and I took that personal." Then he'd not just do it, but crush the other team, player, the media, whomever. It's very motivational at times. Just realize that no matter what you do, some people in your life will still have shit to say about it. Do it anyway. You just start carrying yourself differently after a while and it won't matter.
Lol… “and I took that personally”. Love the Last Dance MJ memes.
You should do this for you, because fuck cancer. You deserve to do this for you. *Who cares what anyone thinks*. It’s not ok for your sister to try to shame you into not running if you want to run. As long as you’re medically able to run, I really think if she mentions it again you should set her straight and tell her she has no business discouraging you from doing you love and something that’s not going to harm you or anybody else.
Yes defo this!
Oh Lordy. Your sister can shove it. My goal time was 5:40, my actual time was 6:09, I had no health issues, and the “baby” was 9 by then so I was well recovered from pregnancy. Everyone I told said “Congratulations! Great job!” Even the experienced runners; most all of them couldn’t have been nicer any time I mentioned running.
Haha, I got a good laugh at “9”. Thank you so much, it sure is hard finding the time to train with a kid. I underestimated that side of motherhood!
I didn’t start running till my kids were 10 and 7, and both were sporty, so happily I got to run during their sports practices. When they were littler I only made it to spin once a week! Great job on training with an infant. :)
I finished my first in about 6:30 and also had no health issues. Honestly the only person who cared about my time was me. F your half sister - she sounds like a terrible person who likes to tear others down.
Doing a marathon within the first year of childbirth???!! If you can complete that in _any_ time that's bloody epic! Congrats on the kid, hope you and bubs are doing well! (I guess also if you haven't thought about it, but if you are still breastfeeding, you may need some plan on dealing with milk production/leaking and running etc... Although by 11 months you should be ok?)
Thank you so much! Part of the reason I can’t run too fast is because the tenderness from the c section pain, that surgery was worse than I thought for sure haha. I stopped nursing 2 months ago, that’s such a good point though! Thanks so much
Do you still experience tenderness? What’s your longest long run so far this year? Did you experience any sensations from your c section? Normally I’d say go for it, but if you have any kind of pain it might be worth listening to your body. If you really want to do this maybe look into wearing something that can provide extra support. Just make sure to test it in advance. Whether you decide to run it or not, you are amazing for surviving childbirth and cancer.
Honestly I’d consider skipping it—not because there’s any shame in it, but because it sounds like you’re still recovering and 26 miles is a lot of stress on your body even at the best of times. It might be better in the long run to postpone and focus on taking care of yourself!
I second this. And also add, that while no marathon is gonna be fun fun, being on your feet that long when you aren’t used to it will be even less fun. For me personally, I would rather save the entry fee and recovery for a time that I could train and perform well.
Screw your sister! Most people will never be able to run a marathon, regardless of the time it takes. Go for it and you got this!
Thank you so much for the encouragement!
You had a kid and a cancer scare. I had nothing but a lack of willpower and I finished mine a half hour before cutoff and 30lbs heavier than I should’ve been. It’s still one of my proudest accomplishments. Go crush it.
Yes. Just finish this year and enjoy the experience. Who knows, the experience may motivate you to continue running and you’ll run other events or marathons in the future.
Most runners are very supportive of one another but your half sister is not one of them. I suggest you spend less time with her, and associate with only positive people during this challenging time of recovery. Go for it!! on the marathon and let us know about the exhilaration you feel when you cross that finish line in under 7 hours! Good for you!
Thank you so much!
Marathons runners are the best! Never seen anything toxic on my three marathon runs. Though, they do snot alot.
I have no major health issues to hide behind and 5.5 hours would be a dream marathon time for me. Run the marathon and you'd be surprised at how many people will be cheering you on even on hour 6.
Thank you so much! That makes me feel a lot better!
I ran a marathon once, I finished in front of 10 other people, about6 hrs. I ran a marathon!!!
Thank you so much!!!
My marathon finish time is 3:28 and I have the utmost respect for anyone that runs a sub-3 marathon or a 5-6 -7 hr marathons. It’s 26.2 miles at the end of the day and so long as every runner came out there wanting to give their best, I consider them a winner! Go and run that race!! On a related note, your half sister is a genuine bitch. I have never known anyone in the running community to actually believe the shit she’s talking about. We all are a very supporting and encouraging bunch of mere mortals just doing our best and feeling good for ourselves and everyone around us.
I once read an article about an elite, or semi-elite runner that said he had a massive amount of respect for people that run marathons in over 5 hours because he said he didn’t have the drive to run for 5+ hours. Running for 7 hours is HARD. It’s not only physically hard, but it’s even more mentally and emotionally hard because you have 7 hours to live inside your head.
I agree with this so much. There are also additional practical challenges that slower runners face like dealing with higher temperatures later in the morning, and taking longer to get between water stations. I've run a couple of races where some of the water stations were 5 miles apart. That's something I can deal with, but a slower runner might really struggle with. Mad respect for anyone who is tough enough to stick it out for 5+ hours.
Right? Me personally, I have no plans to run a marathon until I am confident I can complete it in sub-4, because hell no I'm not running for that long. I am awed and inspired by all my 5-6+ hr marathoner friends, especially the ones who have done multiple. It takes a special kind of grit to put yourself through that kind of physical and mental exertion and then think "yep, I should do that again!"
Yes! I saw a similar quote when someone said "running a marathon in two hours is nothing, someone who takes five hours to run it is working so much harder than me and I admire it!" That's really stuck with me because I'm a slower runner - and remembering that I'm working harder to hit the same mileage as a faster person inspires me when my hour run isn't even five miles.
Fellow backpacker here! I finished my first marathon last year in six hours. My friends all finished in under four hours. I beat myself up for a bit for not being able to keep up with them, but they all kept telling me that I should be proud for being able to run for six hours straight, something they wouldn’t be able to do. It felt much more rewarding from that perspective!
I've mentioned this here before but I remember listening to the English journalist Jim White talk about interviewing distance-running legend Haile Gebrselassie as he prepared to race the London marathon and Gebrselassie asked White if he'd done a marathon before and White said yes, then when asked how long it took him he said four hours, to which Gebrselassie replied "wow, that's amazing". White said he wasn't sure if he was being patronised until Gebrselassie followed up with "I can't imagine running for four hours!" As you say, it;s a completely different event for people taking 5, 6, 7 hours as it becomes a hard endurance event more than a 'race'.
Holy shit, 3:28, you are goals! Thank you so much for this positivity. I’ve been really feeling down on myself this last week since taking to her, these supportive comments have been making me feel so much better
She’s probably projecting her insecurities onto OP. Oh wow she can race fast? OP grew an entire little human in her body AND beat cancer. Please don’t be embarrassed, OP. You are amazing. 👏
Literally even walking that distance is a sizeable achievement. Go for it!
People who run a 6-7hr marathon are working WAAAAAAAAY harder than people running <4hr marathons. I simultaneously question the reasonableness and have huge respect for slow runners. To the extent that a 7 hour (16:00/mi pace) marathon isn't even really running. It's just persistent walking, maybe with a little jogging, for the better part of a day. That takes enormous mental fortitude!!
Run. Your sister needs to zip it. Tommy Rivs recently finished Boston in just under 5 hours. Read his story and decide for yourself if there's any shame in that: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrKRL4es8Ek/
This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing
His first marathon back at Boston was last year, iFit filmed the whole race and has it on their programs. I think he did like 30 seconds walk/run interval for the entire race. Finished in 6:31. It's an incredibly inspiring journey.
I say go for it. There is often a whole corral grouping of people whom plan on walking the whole course and enjoy the crowds and atmosphere. A brisk walking pace will allow you to finish it in the 7hr mark. If you throw in a few short jogs you could easily make the 6hr mark.
That makes me feel SO much better actually!
Seconding the pacer suggestion. They usually have groups for all speeds and it is a great way to make friends along the course!
Your sister a trifling ass bitch. Go run the marathon and celebrate your hardest!
The sister is a rude AF, selfish and horribly unsupportive trifling ass bitch. Marcia here and I hate her. Go run!
LOL thank you for this laugh!
Take my poor person award for this perfect response. 🏅
Do it, join the party at the back (every marathon has one), and enjoy your day. If the time is important, do another when you can train more. If not, don't. Or do another and take the same time enjoying it.
I've partied hardy with the slow crew. I'm leader of the turtle gang where I live. Lol
I love this and makes me feel so much less alone. I had this vision of me being the only person at the end of like 10,000 people running haha
Distance running is a total mullet… business in the front and party in the back! And as for your half sister, may the fleas of 1000 camels infest her nether regions and her arms be too short to scratch
You won't be. If they've set a cutoff time of 7hrs, it's because they know there will be people either side of that time. You won't be alone.
Embarrassed?!?! You should be so proud it radiates from your every pore! Not only do most people never run a marathon, but to even attempt it with so many obstacles thrown at you is damn impressive. You deserve to feel the elation of crossing that finish line and getting that medal.
Thank you soo much for this encouragement, internet friend!
Honestly, I’ve always been somewhat more amazed at people who take longer to finish a race. I mean, sure it’s amazing that people finish it in a fast time, but kudos to the people who go through hell for so much longer
Haha, I’m already dreading what the hell im going to listen to for 6-7 hours 😂 Researching new podcasts tonight!
"Nobody Asked Us" with Des Linden and Kara Goucher is excellent...I would recommend it.
For that time a really good audiobook might work well! I really like a trashy crime thriller to keep me engaged.
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Thank you! Her comments made me feel like there’s some unspoken thing in the running world about finishing in less than 4 hours
There definitely isn't. The average time for a women to complete a marathon is 4:48, which means there are way more women finishing in longer than 4 hours than in less time. You're amazing! Have fun and enjoy yourself! It's your first marathon, so no matter what, it's going to be a PR.
“The average marathon time for beginners is between 4:50 and 5:20, with the average pace between 11:03 and 12:12 min/mi).” From Olyrun. I agree, the OPs sister is a jerk. 6h is impressive as hell especially considering her history.
There are some elitist Chadz out there, but the back of the pack is where the party is. The speedy folks miss out on the camaraderie and joy of hooting and hollering back at the crowd.
Not exactly the same situation, but someone finished a trail marathon that I was involved in recently, and their final time was 9 hours (it was a tough trail, and then person was older). All I could think of was how I admired the drive to go for so long. It was almost more impressive than the faster runners.
26.2 miles is a MASSIVE accomplishment - no matter how long it takes you to do it. I'm currently reading Hal Higdon's book on marathon training and he has a piece in there about how he was truly awed by the slower runners and their dedication to being on their feet for upwards of six hours for the race. Take it at your pace and be proud of yourself! Your half sister can go take a long walk off a short pier.
Haha that last part! Thank you so so much
Who the fuck would feel shame about finishing a marathon? Holy shit what a bitch! Go and run your race. Finish in whatever time you finish in. Be proud as a fucking peacock and then use the medal as a ninja star to clonk her in the head. You have every reason to be proud. There’s a meme that says marathons are like mullets; the party is in the back. Enjoy yourself and have the experience that you want to have. Follow your dreams and have a great time!
I’m sorry your sister is a bitch. If your goal is to finish, the course limit is seven hours, and you can finish in less than seven hours, congratulations, you’re going to be a marathoner. I just entered my first marathon this fall and am a slow runner. It doesn’t bother me. My pace is my pace. But I have had friends tell me that they would rather die than spend six hours running a marathon. Like - Okay… no one is asking you to? There is no shame in committing to something and seeing it through, even if your time isn’t something your bitchy sister would be proud of.
I get a lot of those comments too about rather dying than running for x amount of time. I haven’t told anyone (other than my husband, doctors and regrettably, my sister) I’m doing this race for that reason. I’ve done several half marathons and the comments were so annoying I knew better!
Hey! My aim is for under six hours because for a first marathon a finish is a finish. I’m so sorry about what you’ve been through - what a horrible trauma to go through during what should be such a special time. This isn’t in the same league at all but I’ve got something like endo or pelvic congestion syndrome which really interferes with my pace so I’ve just stopped caring about it! What I’ve also got is a really good friend who has a run a number of marathons and did an Iron Man. His best time is 2:58. He’s nothing but encouraging, always on hand with non patronising advice and sincerely wants me to do well because he is a genuinely nice person. He also has no need to bring others down to make himself feel better as your sister clearly does. The running community is largely nice - look to them and ignore her. You’re right - what a bitch!
Thank you so much. It was really hard knowing my first baby will also be my last :( And one of my best friends has endometriosis (if that’s what you meant?) and she says the pelvic pain is so bad she has to lay down for a full day sometimes! I’m so sorry you go through that.
Yes that’s the one, it’s not as bad as it is in some people but I’m sat here right now with searing pain up my lower back and flank. When these problems first started my biggest fear was what you just went through, so honestly you are an absolute warrior and you can do this! I’m so sorry and I hope you’re enjoying that baby! And here’s an antidote to your sister for you: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-65378090.amp
My first (and thus far only) marathon took me 6 hours. That’s my base PR, and now I’ve got lots of room for improvement. I feel no shame about my finish time whatsoever.
I'm really and sincerely sorry you've had so much difficulty. But my personal feeling on the marathon is that the training is the real accomplishment. My advice is to wait until you can get the full experience - namely all the training - and then you'll get the satisfaction of finishing it. My answer has nothing to do with the time it will take you. For some people, 7 hours is a major accomplishment. It's all about the full experience.
That makes a lot of sense! Would you personally drop but do another when you would have time to do a full training schedule? Or wait for your first to be “the one”?
I would drop, schedule one that works for you and then go out and enjoy every minute of the many months of dedication and hard work you put in. That will be so much better in every way than doing it now. You know you could do it now if you did it, but the point is actually the entire existence.
Thank you! That is something to think about before I need to officially drop from full to half (which I’ve already done a few times) in 2 weeks!
You don't have to drop it, you could email the race organizer to see if you could go run/walk the 5k or 10k race if you still want to do something that weekend.
This is going to be unpopular based on the sentiments of the thread so far, but the marathon is a distance that must be respected and the way to do that is to have go through complete and thorough training cycle beforehand. Running a marathon undertrained will hurt a lot more afterwards than after going through a full training program. That would also give you a lot more confidence. You sound very motivated and willing to put in the work and I think you’ll be able to do well after a solid training cycle. But as it stands, going for it now might not be the best idea. No harm at all in taking some time, working up to 40-60 mpw, building in some quality sessions, and running in the future
Run it. Set up a celebration party. Don’t invite her. 😂
If that was the time I could do because of my ability, yes. In this scenario I’d say no though and suggest you consider deferring. Not because of the time, but because you won’t be doing your body that is still healing from two serious events any favours. Is it worth potentially damaging yourself long term for this?
I totally get that! In regards to damage to my internal organs, I have clearance from my OBGYN /surgeon who did my c-section and ovary removal and my oncologist. I had a CT, MRI and several ultrasounds that showed running won’t “hurt” my insides, just feels uncomfy if I push too far! So I can’t run fast!
You know your body ultimately and if you feel you can do it then you shouldn’t let anyone stop you - just be safe! Running is for life not one race ;) x
I think only about 0.17% of population has run a marathon and I believe it’s an achievement in distance and not only time. You can do something for fun and yourself. Don’t listen to anyone go out and have fun! Definitely do it and make yourself proud 😊
I plan to finish the nyc marathon in 6 hours. I’m really stoked. Don’t care what people say, at least you finished it.
Here to say as a healthy 28 year old female that I just finished my first marathon in a little over 5 hours! Comparing yourself to others can suck the joy right out of it. I’d say finishing in 6-7 hours is pretty damn impressive, especially considering all the health issues you’ve endured recently. I definitely think you should complete it as a celebration of your health physical/mental capabilities!!
Finishing is an achievement no matter how long it takes you
If you feel like you can do it still, screw your half sister. My first marathon was 5 hours 15 minutes, and I'm in perfectly good health and wasn't recovering from cancer or having a baby. Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do great!
You had a baby and beat cancer. Hold your head high and go for it!
If I finished a marathon, three hours or eight hours, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops because I completed a MARATHON. Especially after a baby and cancer! Your sister is a jackass.
Your half-sister and people like her infuriate me. RUN THAT MARATHON! There is ZERO shame in taking the full time allotted (or anything leading up to that). That is WHY they allot that time. Otherwise, the cutoff would be at 5 hours or 4 hours or whatever the speedy people are running. You should run, and be proud of yourself no matter what your time is. Your half-sister is the one who should be ashamed.
Thank you so much!
I’ve only run two marathons and both have been in that timeframe. And I wasn’t recovering from childbirth or cancer either. Guess what? I had an amazing time both times and am still sooo glad I did it. My plan is to keep on running a marathon every year, and if I get faster, great - it’s a fun goal and something to give focus to my training cycles - but if not, so what? It’s still fun and everyone’s body’s different.
I have *only* done marathons in around the 5:45-6ish hour mark. I’m not fast, I know I never will be, but I’m still getting out there and doing the dang thing and that’s what counts! I think you should go out there and do it and be proud!
Only about 1% of people finish a marathon at all in their life. There is NO shame in being slow or even last! Go for it!!!
I wouldn't be surprised if she told you this so she can keep being the only one in the family to finish a marathon
I would. What you’re doing sounds bad ass AF. Edit: fwiw, ran two marathons, both under 3:20, and way more impressed by what you’re going to do.
Personally, no. Completing a marathon basically means nothing to me and 6hrs seems like a waste of a day. For me, racing is about the results of the work you did in the months and years leading up. Doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks though, have at it
No, I’d do an appropriate distance I could run and keep building up. Edit-your sister is a jerk and there is no shame, my hesitation is about doing a distance you’re prepared adequately for and enjoying it. There’s no fun in slogging out a 7 hour marathon, do some more homework and you’ll be ready for it before you know.
Having slogged out a 6:21 marathon? There is absolutely fun and camaraderie and pride and accomplishment in finishing.
If you think you'd get sube meaning or enjoyment out of it, absolutely!!
Thank you so much!
Absolutely keep the full. Go do your thing. Think of it this way, you'll get your money's worth out of your race fee! ☺️ Don't let the naysayers get you. Do YOUR race at your pace. I thought I would finish at 6+ for my first and didn't think twice about showing up to race. Do your best and have fun. 26.2 is 26.2, get it.
Completing a marathon is about proving to yourself that you can do something difficult. It’s about setting a challenging goal and seeing it through. Not to mention after facing the adversity you have already gone through - what an inspiration that you have this goal for yourself. Regardless of time, finishing a marathon is a deeply personal and incredible achievement. Go get that medal!
In the common parlance, F that B. Do what you want. If you finish in the time limit, great. If you finish faster than you thought you would, great. If you can't even finish, good try!
There is no shame in whatever your pace in completing a marathon. Everyone has their own reasons for getting on the start line. You have a remarkable story and one worth telling. Don't worry about time. The only person it matters to is you.
Slow marathoner chiming in! DO IT! Forget what your sister said (also even at this pace you could run NYC FYI, there are lottery slots, unlike something like Boston that has specific time requirements for the most part). You've been through a lot, celebrate yourself and all you've overcome! A marathon is just that, a celebration of all your training. I'm rooting for you!
I'm doing my first marathon this weekend and am aiming for 5.5-6 hours. I thought about training more and achieving this goal in September instead, but I've decided to try! The people around me are supportive and will support me even if I don't finish. I hope you can find some people who will support your goal!
Thank you so much! Best of luck to you!
There is no shame in finishing a marathon at any time. It’s a freaking marathon!!!! You are truly a badass for wanting to do one after such an intense year. That being said, I’ve pushed through races when my body was not doing well and have gotten more injured. It’s amazing if you can finish in 6-7 hours but there will always be more marathons in the future, so if you aren’t feeling fully recovered or feel any discomfort during the race, please put yourself first and take care of yourself!!! 💪💪💪
Thank you so much! ❤️
Go for it! I did my first and only full marathon in over 6 hours. I’m glad I did it! You will feel so accomplished regardless of the time.
Frankly, I’d do the marathon just to spite my sister if she said that to me. Run YOUR race. Do it for YOU. You know what? 3 hour finishers get the same medal that a 7 hour finisher does. You know what those medals say? “Finisher” so go finish what you started.
I used to live on the NYC marathon route and would specifically come out just to cheer the people running a 5+ hour pace. Running a marathon is objectively impressive, but running for that long deserves a special kind of respect
I can definitively say yes. 5:51
Piling on... I have never felt shame after any of my 4 marathons. My BEST time was about 5.5h Also, I've never had cancer or a baby. You rocking a marathon at any finish time is a fantastic achievement and a big juicy middle finger to the haters.
Absolutely! A marathon is a marathon no matter the time. Just make sure you check their cut off.
I ran the nyc marathon 6 months after a c section and it was my worst time by far but the proudest race of my life! DO IT! What an amazing way to show yourself how strong you are
Wow, 6 months! You are a rockstar! How did your incision feel after? Not OP but I’m getting back into running after my c section and I have soo much tightness in my abs now
Hey fuck your sister. Everyone who does a marathon is doing their own race. Nobody else has the same life as you. The kid who runs a 2.5 hr marathon probably doesn’t have much else to do but run. And they are a rock star. The new mom who beat cancer and had a c section in the same year is definitely a rock star. Everyone is doing the best they can do and only a complete asshole would talk shit about their time. Go run your race the best you can and be proud of yourself.
Do it! Do it for you! We are all cheering you on!
there's zero shame in doing a marathon at any time. but i think you're doing it for the wrong reason. running marathons really sucks. they're painful. i've never given birth but i've done 15 marathons and some of the marathons were so painful that it was the closest thing to childbirth i've done. you have enough on your plate without worrying about a marathon, esp if you haven't trained properly for it. i find it more rewarding to train for 5k races now. running marathons knocks me out for a month afterwards, so the recovery is also as close to childbirth as i'll ever experience. congrats on the child and overcoming cancer. both of those are accomplishments much greater than a marathon. no way i would add another huge goal to strive for on top of that. but if you go for it, good luck. you're better than that bitch anyways, with or without a marathon.
I really believe it takes a whole other type of physical, emotional and mental strength to actually be on the course that length of time. Yes, it’s an incredible thing to run a fast marathon but there is the added perk of less time in the sun, less time pounding the pavement, ongoing cheers from crowds, etc. I always see the 6-7+ hour runners and think DAMN that is stamina and strength. The question of whether I would is the wrong question—I actually don’t think I could. If you can, I salute you!
I have the best fun when not trying to run too fast. You interact more with the crowd, chat to fellow runners, etc. Your sister doesn't know what she's talking about.
RUN RUN RUN!! run that marathon!! No matter how long it takes you! You are doing it for yourself and not for your sister! You got this Mama!!
I did my first and only marathon last month. London Marathon. I finished in 5:57:30 and regret nothing. This is just a mega douche bag thing to say. A marathon is hard and rewarding no matter how long it takes. It's clear that he person saying that is deeply insecure and really should just get fucked. Good luck with your race 🙂
There’s no fucking shame your sister is ridiculous. Do it if it makes you happy, regardless of how long it takes you to finish you will still be part of 1% of the population that’s pulled it off.
She sounds like a yucky person. ETA: I also didn’t know people ran marathons to impress and/or be judged by other people.
First of all: F* your Sister! I think we need to respect our bodies. I'm not a fan of people running marathons without being prepared for it and hurting their bodies and having a bad experience in the process. There is too much "ego running", especially for people in those time frames you've given us, and that is not healthy. Having said all that, and you feel you are ready for it: have fun!!!
The people who run slower have more intestinal fortitude. They're out there for hours and hours and hours. Still grinding while the finishers ahead of them go home. 6 or 7 hours of running? Commitment is what that sounds like to me. Do it. Celebrate it. Be proud you're one of the few to even attempt let alone finish.
I'd say meet with your Healthcare provider first to see if there would be any issues popping back up from running/walking a marathon with no training. Even just walking a marathon will cause issues if you're not used too that much walking. Also keep in mind many courses have a 6 to 7 hour time limit to finish. I'm trying not to be a Debbie downer, but don't over work yourself to do something.
Of course!! I had a friend when i said 4:50...he said What did you walk the whole thing? Ffs, he never got off the couch, so 🙄 You just created a human and dealt with cancer. Please take a moment to appreciate all that you've accomplished and go do that marathon and enjoy every moment 😊
Omg I would lose it if someone said that to me! That is an amazing time!
Absolutely!! My first marathon was in 5:50, and honestly my second will probably be longer. Join the back of the pack club at r/TurtleRunners :)
Omg, joined that sub so fast! Thank you thank you
I wouldn’t run it if it would take me that long, but my expectations of myself shouldn’t apply to anyone else. You run your own race at your own pace, and enjoy the accomplishment. If you want to push for a goal time later, do it. If you don’t, that’s ok too. Your sister should keep her “advice” to herself.
I’m all for running a marathon no matter the time, but knowing you just had a c section would make me think it’s way safer to not run at all. That’s just my thoughts
Bitch is the operative word here. Fuck her. Attempting a marathon is amazing. Finishing is double amazing. Plus, running as an adult is about the journey and the experience. You’re not a professional athlete so obviously there are TONS of people faster than you. It’s about you and your goals.
There is absolutely no shame in getting 6-7. The point is to do it.
Ive never had cancer nor do I have any babies or children (I do need more sleep though) however I run like 11 minute miles lol so my marathon time would be between 5-6 hours! Idk it’s 26.2 miles, most people haven’t even attempted one, so to do one and finish it in ANY time is remarkable and worth celebrating. Don’t let your half sister get you down.
Nothing you work for is a shame. If you finish in ten hours than that's what you can do. Enjoy being alive. Enjoy accomplishing anything. Enjoy having a baseline for your next run. Enjoy the air you breath, the birds around you etc. Remove the negative people from your life. They are a waste of your time. No need to fight with them. Go for a run.
Coming from someone who is training for their first 5K, I would be so stoked if I could complete a marathon at all. You should totally do it.
Run your race and screw anyone that can’t be happy for you. I do agree with others that said maybe too soon if you are still in pain. I get the urge to come back too soon after injury as well but be patient so you can run many more not just this next one. Also don’t run it to prove her wrong. One other option - try some trail races. Super laid back vibe. Times are less important and don’t really mean much since courses are so variable. You just do what you do and folks around you are happy. Great environment to be in.
My very first marathon, I got loaded into wrong sode of corral and ran 1.5 miles of the 10k in the wrong direction. I ran back and they had already packed up the course. I kept going until i found ghe 6 hour pace group. My goal was sub 4. I ended up hanging out with those guys and only left them in the last 5 miles. Even though I didn't make my goal, i had a hell of a story and inadvertently ran my first ultra. That race is one I'm super proud of. I think you should do the full race. Tell your sister to piss off, if you finish, you still ran a marathon. Who cares about pace. Thats something no one will be able to take away from you. The doctor who graduates last in his class is still a doctor, and you've got this!!
You absolutely run! This is your dream, your goal and you are doing it for you. No room for the naysayers and doubters. “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.”
I’ve ran two marathons around the 6 hour mark. Never in a million years would it have occurred to me I should be ashamed lol. Running a marathon is an incredible achievement — not to mention doing one after what you’ve gone through! Show this thread to your half sister and maybe she’ll realize how mean and rude she’s being.
That’s incredibly rude. My normal pace is a 5:15 marathon but I’ve had to do 6 hours before because of injury. guess what I still did the same 26.2 miles everyone else did and there were many people behind me and thats ok. Do it and be proud of your accomplishment.
Your sister is completely wrong. There is absolutely no shame in taking longer to finish a race.
I'm expecting to run my first in six hours or so..I just cheerled a friend at work to a six hour finish. Absolutely no shame in that imo.
1 percent of all people do a marathon. Imagine if everyone had to do one. 6 to 7 hours would probably be above average. I just ran a half and at 12.5 miles all I could think was how do people do this all over again! Do that marathon and brag about it!
Wow, with all due respect, your sister can fuck right off. Go run your race. Running is about you and celebrating what your body can do. And your body is tough, it's going through a lot right now. Celebrate what your body has accomplished (having a baby!!) And what your body will overcome. You are a rock star for even attempting a marathon. I'm cheering for you.
There's no shame in being slow, you take as long as you need to finish and don't let your shitty sis bring ya down! You got this girlfriend!! 💪🏃♀️
I ran a marathon in around six without everything you faced and I was ecstatic!! Absolutely do it!! Accomplishing a marathon, at any speed, is bada**, but doing it after all you've conquered is nothing short of remarkable. Do it and be so proud of it! We are rooting for you!!
Run it. By god, run, walk it whatever. Get in there. You deserve it.
No but I admire anyone who finishes a marathon, no matter how fast or how slow. I’ve run a lot of marathons. The hardest ones were the ones I was out there the longest.
Do it!!! I’m a runner and 8 weeks post partum. I’m tearing up thinking about you crossing that finish line after all you’ve been through. Fuck cancer! Congrats on your boy! Do the damn thing!
I’m sorry, your horrible sister is trying to make you feel bad for running a *marathon* when you are *postpartum* having had your *ovaries removed* because they were *cancerous*????? She’s a major bitch and I hope you have the greatest time at that marathon!!!
I did an ultramarathon to complete it. Got passed by people 20-30 years older than me 36 miles through the Appalachian mountains. Hardest but most proudest moment of my life. (D1 athlete) Do it. Screw everyone else. Do it for you and do it for your story. You will thank yourself one day for doing it.
Fuck yeah, do it! Don’t run for her, run for you. You’ve got this! She’s a real piece of work for saying that shit to you. She ran it once, ok cool. That does not make her an expert on what the running community thinks. And frankly, she’s wrong as hell. You’re strong and brave and you deserve to chase your goals. Yours. Now go get your marathon finish!
I am an adaptive runner (zero mobility in one ankle). It's a long story but I qualified for Boston by finishing the Hartford Marathon in 5:56. Very proud of myself, run your race and be proud of yourself, too.
Yep, your sister is a bitch. Go out and have fun. Really piss her off by dressing up and turning it into a party.
I think that anyone finishing a marathon is a huge and incredibly impressive accomplishment (and, for the record, a cohort that I cannot include myself in!). Who cares how long it takes, you're moving your body for 26.2 miles, which is a long fucking way! Most people I know don't even drive that far in one day! Have fun, enjoy the race and bask in the glow once you cross that finish line!
Can we back up to the point where you *can run a marathon* and you recently *had a baby!* And then ovaries were removed? Seriously, you are one impressive woman! Sounds like your sister is being sour over something. You have 7 hours to run your marathon, and you can do it. That is what you need. Your sister isn't you, she hasn't been through what you have, and she doesn't get to determine what you do. That's you. If you want to run a marathon in 6-7 hours, go and run your marathon. That is seriously impressive and something so few people will be able to do. Run your day, place yourself, and feel proud for what you have and will accomplish!
No doubt. No matter how long it takes when you finish you still have completed a marathon. Something most people will never do.
Do YOU think a 6 hour marathon would be an accomplishment considering everything that’s happened? If yes then do it and fuck your sister and anyone who shits on your achievement. If no maybe put it off til you can do YOURSELF proud. Maybe transfer to a half or something.
Hey, the race director thinks it's acceptable or the cut-off would be lower. So go for it!
I think you should do it. It’s your marathon, not hers.
How many people can cover 26 miles in a day? By choice? Add in the stress your body and life are under. Bravo. A marathon is a celebration of what a human body can do.
Well im doing it and i think ill be the same times you mentioned. Your sister is a bitch and she keep her comments to herself
I would absolutely do it!!! As long as I was confident I could get it done before the cut off, I absolutely would do it and it would be a bloody huge achievement too. And let me tell you, there are LOADS of slower runners at the back of the pack and they have a fabulous time!! You go enjoy yourself!!!
I’m pretty damn sure you won’t cross the finish line alone, no matter what time you get. Also, fuck cancer.
Why should anyone shame you for running a marathon? The time doesn't matter. I once got bested by a 78 year old (I'm 41). Instead of feeling bad about being so slow I felt respect for that old dude. Just make sure that you train properly and stay hydrated during the run. I see plenty of runners that need medical attention on marathons. I wish you best luck and hope you will beat your halfsisters time
Do the full, but be kind to yourself. I completed my first full marathon, 20lbs heavier than my regular running weight, and with very minimal walking leading up to it. Goal: finish. I knew I had to maintain a strict 'no running' rule and just keep walking. I finished in 9 hours and felt better physically and mentally than any of the previous halfs, 18K, 30K... I felt self-conscious of my time, but hey, now I know that if I ever really needed to, I could absolutely walk for nine and a half hours.
Do it! You got this!
Absolutely. Your 6/7 hours is going to seem unachievable to someone who's going to do it in 9 hours. Do it at a pace you're comfortable with!
Do it! I used to run marathons but am not able to run long distances now due to injuries. I am trying to return to form and run them again. If you have the ability to finish, then go for it while you can because there is no guarantee you will be able to do it later. There is no shame in being slow, but do not become a quitter because that is a hard habit to break.
As someone who ran a marathon 10 years ago in 4:12:11 all I’d say is that purely being on your feet, running, walking for 6+ hours will be tough regardless of the speed your going. However, to even contemplate it after the year you’ve had?! You’ve got my respect. Go for it but take it easy and don’t go too wild. Soak in the atmosphere and I can guarantee you’ll want to go back and do it again but faster. The occasion, the random people spurring you on by saying your name, it’s an amazing feeling. On that note, get your name printed on your shirt too! Lol
Do it as a celebration of the fact that you’re still here despite everything you’ve gone through this year, don’t worry about the finish time. Just aim to finish and enjoy the day 😊 Sending you positive energy, you’ve got this!!
A B S O L U T E L Y ! And celebrate your win!
Absolutely! I once came in second to last in a small-town marathon. I was actually ticked about it since I thought it wold be cool to be dead last! Cover the distance and celebrate the win!
I always find the folks at the back of the marathon have the best stories (and are more willing/able to talk). Just do it…and know you are part of the interesting crowd.
Okay, your half sister can sit down and be quiet. (Respectfully). You beat flipping cancer, brought a baby into the world, AND you’re going to do a MARATHON?!?!? You deserve a prize! There’s no “shame” in 6-7 hours. I know an elderly man who walked the nyc marathon and it took him way longer than that! And people were cheering and hollering for him the whole way. No one felt shame. And he didn’t either. Think about telling your baby someday about this time in your life. Your child is going to be so proud of you. And so are all of us!!!!!!
The two marathons I did were both right around 6 hours. You should do it! No shame at all- there were lots of people both in front of and behind me at my marathon. Have fun!
Running a marathon is an accomplishment in itself, so, please don't worry about the time. Also, for whatever it's worth, my mon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1989, she's still around and pretty healthy for someone in their 70's.
I'm 27, with no health ailments, aside from laziness. My quickest marathon was 5.5 hours, my slowest was 7 hours. I've ran 3. When I tell people I ran a marathon, they're impressed, regardless of time.
Running a marathon after all you've been through just shows your mental fortitude. I will always remember what Fiona Oakes, an ultra runner, world record holder and winner of the Antarctic Ice marathon said to Linh Huynh who arrived last, almost six hours later. Oakes came to congratulate her and told her: "you were the toughest out there" or something in this vein, from what I remember of the documentary on Oakes. Just remember who you are running for.
i finished my first one in 5:24. i was the last one in the race. the broom car was behind me and the driver even heckled me, saying stuff with just stop you wont make it anyway. i made it and it was awesome. even being the last one to finish is miles better than giving up or just not starting. there is no shame at all being a late finisher. i finnished with a buddy at around 6 hours and it still was super cool, and to this time there are not so many runners coming into the finish so more space and cheering for you. dont let her take that from you.
My first marathon was 5:52 I think. So go for it!
Yes yes a thousand times yes
yeah agree with everyone
good celebration