While April is coming to an end, the month we dub #marathonmonth, marathoners near and far continue to crush PRs racing the 26.2 all year round. Over the weekend we asked the question on twitter, "why do you love the marathon?" The responses we got back were overwhelming, each unique and all inspiring - a collection of them are shared below. If you have run the marathon, we would love to hear your response on twitter @oiselle, or tell us in the comments!
@oiselle it's something I never thought I could do but decided at age 30 to go for it. Profile pic is finish, in Lesleys! #odetothemarathon
— Lindsey R. (@LindsTR) April 26, 2014
@oiselle because it makes me think that human achievement is limitless!! #odetothemarathon
— Michelle (@elleroos) April 26, 2014
@oiselle just like life, when something is worthwhile it takes hard work and mental toughness. But the reward is awesome #odetothemarathon
— Rebecca jankowiak (@RRjankowiak) April 26, 2014
@oiselle it's the final chapter in a journey; months of training, bumps in the road, sacrifices & triumphs on display #odetothemarathon
— kristin miller (@mrsmillersmiles) April 26, 2014
@oiselle It seems impossible. It's scary. And it's just you out there. So, when you do it, you feel like u can do anything #odetothemarathon
— Stephanie Granlund (@stefgranlund) April 26, 2014
@oiselle It's all the emotions of running in one race: anxiety, fear, determination, pain, happiness, relief, joy, peace. #odetothemarathon
— Seen While Running (@SeenontheRun) April 26, 2014
@oiselle Every marathon journey tells a story of passion, persistence and perseverance. The race is just one chapter. #OdeToTheMarathon
— TWINS RUN (@TwinsRun) April 26, 2014
@oiselle I don't love it, I admire and respect it.
— Sally Bergesen (@oiselle_sally) April 26, 2014
@oiselle it's such a challenge, you have to not only train, but believe in doing something big and difficult. Believing in yourself.
— Shannon Chenoweth (@GirlsGotSole) April 26, 2014
@oiselle the marathon is a test of your will &taught me to never give up on myself. I feel like I can accomplish anything. #odetothemarathon
— Emily (@emily_runs) April 26, 2014
@oiselle #odetothemarathon Doing a marathon feels like giving the middle finger to anything that's ever made me feel scared or vulnerable.
— Nancy Barlow (@TheTeacherGeek) April 26, 2014
@oiselle The marathon makes us ordinary folks feel extraordinary. #odetothemarathon
— Marilyn K. (@mkeys724) April 27, 2014
@oiselle the marathon is a test of emotional, physical, and mental strength. As well as a celebration of badassness #odetothemarathon
— Colleen Cassidy (@CassidyColleen) April 27, 2014
@oiselle the marathon gave me my health back. Training & running strengthened a heart defect I had since childhood. #odetothemarathon
— Dawn Lundin (@lundin_dawn) April 27, 2014
@oiselle You experience the entire spectrum of emotions in the marathon. Everything is on the table. The feelings are real #odetothemarathon
— Asia Simonelli (@SDFitnessDiva) April 27, 2014
@oiselle the marathon is a test of physical & mental strength and is a race against yourself. You have the power to make or break it.
— Stephanie (@stephplusfour) April 27, 2014
@oiselle It's one of a few events in which amateurs compete in the same contest, on the same course, and against the same clock as the pros.
— Allison Krausen (@AllisonKrausen) April 27, 2014
@oiselle I run marathons b/c I am lucky enough to have the ability to be able to run. My father is a quadriplegic. #odetothemarathon
— alwaysrunning (@kat_qu) April 27, 2014
@oiselle love the unpredictability. Every race is different & allows u 2 learn more about training, racing and most imp. yourself #marathon
— Brittney Forster (@britzy310) April 27, 2014
@oiselle marathons keep me mentally strong and happy. I can then give my best to my kids and be a strong mom. #odetothemarathon
— Amy A. Clark (@amywrites) April 28, 2014
@oiselle #odetothemarathon I run in dad's footsteps. He was active duty military&had heart attack &passed away at age 36-while out running
— J-me Nicole Johnson (@JmeNicoJohnson) April 27, 2014
“@oiselle #odetothemarathon the marathon shows me what I'm made of. It's 40% physical and 60% mental.
— runningcrzy (@CondonAmanda) April 27, 2014
