| As I mentioned in my Philadelphia Half Marathon race recap, I never really felt like I could get to my max pace. Luckily, this allowed me to take in some of the scenes that I normally would have missed. Wow, do you see some weird things while running a marathon?! I'll spare you the details of some of those things, but below I share with you some observations I've made while running in marathons. I'm sure you have some of your own, so be sure to comment below! |  |
People love running in costume
When I run, it's all about comfort. I don't like things bouncing, rubbing, etc. But for some reason, people love to run in costume. I don't think I could ever do it, but never say never, right? Either way, it's very entertaining to watch!
 Philadelphia Marathon |  London Marathon |  My friend Emily & her brother |  Tokyo Marathon |
There is no gold standard for a "funny" marathon sign
I get it - it's the "worst parade ever". I want to see a sign that I haven't seen before - bonus points if there is some pop culture reference! I'm a sucker for a good race sign, but clearly there are different kinds of "funny".
Marathon spectating can be almost as exhausting as running the race
Marathon spectating is no joke. I don't know from experience, but from what my friends tell me, it can be exhausting! You trek around town, hold up signs, run with your friends - you deserve a recovery massage too!
Downhill can be more painful that uphill Running hills is challenging, there's no denying that. But once you've reached double digits in the miles, downhill can actually be more painful than uphill. Your quads might even feel like they're on fire!! Also, a "hill" is a relative term - it also depends on how you train! |  |
Men run faster marathons because they don't have to stop at the port-a-potties
How many places can a women pee on a marathon route? Probably about 10, and there is usually a line. How many places can a man pee? The options are endless. This is why men have faster marathon times than women, right?
Every runner running in sandals has a friend running in sandals
| You see all kinds of footwear in races, from full support shoes to barefoot running, but those who choose to run in sandals always have friends with them. I've yet to see a sandal-runner running solo! |  |
Everyone is fighting their own battle
If you take time to look around during a marathon, you see all sorts of inspirational messages and motivation phrases - on t-shirts, on signs, on stickers, on the ground - everywhere! When you take the time to read them, you realize that everyone has their own race to run. We all run for different reasons, but we're following the same path.
There is a new level of acceptance when it comes to social habits
Marathon runners will spit, blow their nose, run into people, pee in public (see above) and a whole slew of things that would otherwise seem unacceptable. Going for a stroll in the park? You would never even consider doing any of these things (I hope). But, if you're running in a race, it's totally okay!
Running makes people happy
If you take a look around at people's faces, you'll see some people struggling for sure, but you'll see a lot of happy faces. And I mean A LOT. It's not the just the runners, but the spectators too. Happiness comes when passing another mile marker, when seeing your friends and family or when seeing complete strangers holding up awesome signs. As Elle Woods taught us - exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy.
 coachjoeenglish.wordpess.com |  infobarrel.com |
What are some observations you've made while running in races?
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