Why Run A Marathon?

Motive provides meaning to actions. We asked our 776BC marathoners in training Lucy Stephan and Fiona Albert what prompted their decision to run a marathon.

Why did you choose to run the 2016 Brisbane Marathon?

Fiona: We were in the Australian Women’s Eight and went to the final qualification regatta and that didn’t end with the result we wanted. Personally, I like to have a goal and something that I am constantly working towards, so being able to see that there is an event on August 7^th and it’s something that is very different to what I’ve done before, is really appealing. I’ve also always wanted to do a marathon but it trashes your legs so I haven’t been able to set aside any time to do one in the last four years.

Lucy: I was in the Australian Women’s Eight with Fee and it was really tough when we missed out on qualifying by one spot. I was driving the nine long hours from Sydney to Melbourne and thinking about what was going to keep me happy mentally and physically. I didn’t like the appeal of going straight back in the boat because by the time season started in November/December I would have been burnt out. A marathon has always been on the bucket list and I thought this is my opportunity. So, I contemplated it for five minutes before making the decision and messaging Fee to ask if she would join me.

What running experience do you have?

Fiona: I ran cross country a lot in primary school and high school. I went over to Nationals in New Zealand and competed in the 4km event but then got into rowing and made that my priority. With rowing, I just kept running ticking along in the background as part of cross training because it’s so much different than any of the measured training that we do. Because of this I find running a fun way to train and it helps to clear out my mind.

Lucy: I’ve always enjoyed running, I’m not very good at it though, more of a plodder than a runner. I’ve never run seriously but with rowing sometimes you get a coach who decides that running is a key component of the training program. I’ve always run when I have a bit of a sore back or if there is a watt bike on the program because I’d rather run than ride. Therefor, I’ve probably done it more than most rowers because I like it for the mental release. If you don’t have a GPS watch then you don’t know if you’re going fast or slow and you can just run. It’s nice to exercise and not be critiqued.

Do you have a specific goal in mind?

Fiona: I’m aiming to do 3h45m so that’s sitting on 5”19 pace. I’m relatively confident that if I don’t get a blister or hurt something during the race then I’ll be fine. Also I have to work out how to eat and drink while running.

Lucy: Originally I was just aiming for to finish it and get by though a bit of training but keep it cruisy. However, the more I training the more I would love to break 4h. That would be a pretty big deal, holding 5”42 pace. If not, I just want to get through it at a reasonable time and attack it well.

If you're training for a marathon and have some of your own tips to share, we'd love for you to share them with us. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and tag @776BC into your posts using #776BC #MyLongRoad