The marathon holds a special place in running culture. Covering 26.2 miles requires grit, months of training, and careful planning. For many, it represents the ultimate endurance challenge. But the truth is, not every runner needs to finish a marathon to be considered “serious” or accomplished.
Training for this distance means you need to be ready physically, mentally, and logistically, and sacrifice a lot. Before committing to 26.2 miles, consider these 10 warning signs. They might mean the marathon isn’t the right goal at this moment.
1. You don’t have a solid base yet
Before marathon training even begins, you need a foundation of consistent mileage—usually 20 to 25 miles per week. If you’ve only recently started running or can’t yet run comfortably three to four times a week, the leap to marathon prep is likely too big.
Building this base first not only prevents injury but also makes the process far more enjoyable when you do take the next step.
2. You can’t commit to consistent training
Marathon training typically takes 16 to 20 weeks, requiring steady progress over months. Missing large chunks of training makes it nearly impossible to arrive at the start line ready.
If your job, family, or lifestyle makes sticking to a plan unpredictable, the marathon may end up being more stressful than fulfilling.
Related: 16 Ways to Balance Work and Running
3. You’re not prepared for lifestyle sacrifices
Marathon prep doesn’t stop when the run ends. It often requires earlier bedtimes, dialing in nutrition, limiting alcohol, and saying no to late-night plans.
If you’re not ready to shift your routine beyond running itself, the training may feel overwhelming. A half marathon can often be a more manageable goal without such dramatic lifestyle changes.
4. Long runs don’t fit your schedule
The weekly long run is the cornerstone of marathon preparation. Expect to spend two-three hours on your feet, sometimes more.
If you can’t consistently carve out this time—whether due to work, family obligations, or other commitments—marathon training will always feel like a battle against your calendar.
5. You’re frequently injured
High mileage exposes weak links. Runners prone to stress fractures, shin splints, or chronic tendon issues struggle to handle the volume needed for a safe build-up. If you’re in an injury-rehab cycle, doubling down with marathon training will likely set you back even further.
6. You’re not comfortable running slower
Training for endurance means spending many hours at an easy pace. If you only enjoy fast, short sessions, the slower grind of marathon training can feel frustrating.
7. Recovery is a constant struggle
Sleep, nutrition, stretching, and strength training all become critical as mileage rises. If you’re already exhausted from day-to-day training or don’t have a recovery routine in place, marathon preparation will magnify the problem.
8. You’re motivated by external pressure
Signing up because coworkers are doing it, or because it looks impressive on social media, rarely sustains you through the tough middle weeks of training.
The best marathoners are driven by an internal desire to take on the challenge, not outside validation.
9. You can’t invest in proper preparation
Running 26.2 miles safely and comfortably requires more than just running shoes. You’ll likely need multiple pairs of running shoes, race-day fueling, recovery tools, and sometimes coaching or structured plans.
The financial and time commitments add up. If you can’t invest in this preparation, the risk of injury and a disappointing race experience increases.
10. You dread the idea of running for hours
Perhaps the clearest sign of all: if the thought of spending three, four, or even five hours on your feet feels miserable rather than exciting, forcing yourself into marathon training can backfire.
Weekly mileage often peaks at 40–60 miles, with long runs stretching beyond 20 miles. If neither the hours nor the mileage sound appealing, the distance probably isn’t the right fit right now.
Related: 10 Things That Will Absolutely Ruin Your First Marathon
Bottom line
Running a marathon is a tremendous achievement, but it isn’t the only path in the sport. If several of these signs sound familiar, it may be wiser to focus on 5Ks, 10Ks, or half marathons for now. These distances still deliver fitness gains and racing excitement—without the risks that come from taking on more than your body or lifestyle can support.
