I thought the video below was a great reminder that you don’t have to start out trying to run a marathon. Ok, I know, that’s exactly what I did …but just becuase I did doesn’t mean you have to. Running has to be about enjoyment and if you’re not enjoying it then what’s the point? I mean, really? There are other things you can do with your time and energy. So, if you’re becoming intimidated by the idea of running a marathon .. scale it back. Try a 5k race and your marathon training could really get a boost!
Training to run a marathon is hard work and things don’t always go according to plan, especially if you get injured. You won’t be the first, or the last, to become demoralised, fed up and just a teensy weensy bit tetchy about the whole thing.
So in order to reach your goal of running a marathon sometimes you just have to ease up on yourself, set a realistic target and enjoy some shorter distance races first. Don’t feel swamped by marathon training, look at what you love about running and take the pressure off.
Middle distance runner, Sara Hall (who founded the Hall Steps Foundation with her husband Olympic marathon runner, Ryan Hall) runs with the most amazing scenic backdrop and explains why running a 5k is a great thing to do… Wish I could talk and run with the same ease that Sara demonstrates 
http://youtu.be/ogersvw6tFc
