Like a lot of PPs, I've done a couple of marathons, but both times followed a program that gradually had me adding miles over several months.
Also the program that I followed is the "run-walk" program designed by Jeff Galloway. I really, really, REALLY recommend this program. It seems odd, but alternating between running and walking throughout your training runs and the race yourself helps you avoid energies and hitting the wall.
Both times I did the marathon, I had a pace of 11:15 per mile. Certainly not a speed demon, but the point is I had my watch on, and I ran/walked mile 1 at 11:15, and I ran mile 26 at 11:15. At the start of the race, all these people are shooting up ahead of me down the road. By mile 20, I'm chugging along while people all around me are clearly hurting and staggering to keep moving.
Hooray for run/walk method!

Anonymous wrote:I have done many marathons, and in my 40s prefer trail races (which are usually 50K plus). I am sore for a few days after, but then I'm fine. I do swim and weight train, as well.
I can understand the concern about pushing your body, but I don't think it is nearly as stressful on your body as say carrying an extra 5, 10, 15, 20, + lbs every day and all of the stress of that on your heart, joints, etc.

Consistent distance running (or the like) is definitely a lifestyle and tied to personality characteristics. I understand why some wouldn't understand the choice.

I have run over a dozen marathons and ultras and it definitely is a lifestyle and I’m a little OCD. Luckily, I have never gotten injured or sick. It’s kept me very healthy (confirmed by lab results) and mentally balanced.

I have done many marathons, and in my 40s prefer trail races (which are usually 50K plus). I am sore for a few days after, but then I'm fine. I do swim and weight train, as well.
I can understand the concern about pushing your body, but I don't think it is nearly as stressful on your body as say carrying an extra 5, 10, 15, 20, + lbs every day and all of the stress of that on your heart, joints, etc.

Consistent distance running (or the like) is definitely a lifestyle and tied to personality characteristics. I understand why some wouldn't understand the choice.

I’m a serious runner and a two time marathoner. It is probably less healthy than running 10ks or 10-milers because there are some downsides for your immune system. (Marathoning can make you a little run down and burned out.) you need to be really good with the diet and hydration and sleep and you need to be careful not to overtrain. But a regular exercise habit is healthy!

Anonymous wrote:I think anyone can run a marathon and I don't think it is dangers as long as you don't have any underlying health issues and train properly. Training properly includes building mileage up over a long period of time and having a good running base before starting a specific marathon training program. I do think it is a good idea to cross train and to do some strength training to prevent injuries. I also think some people are better built for marathons than others.

I think this is it right here. I've run several half marathons and run 5-6 miles daily for exercise and outside of the occasional muscle strain or foot blister, I haven't had any issues.