20/11/2025
This is applicable to all forms of training, not just running.
There’s a growing trend in the running world that suggests we should “normalise” walking large sections of a marathon, and it’s being presented as inclusive, practical, or even empowering.
But we need to be honest about what this really means. Walking because of injury, cramping, hitting the wall, or a nutrition mistake is completely normal, it happens to everyone, even the most prepared runners.
That’s part of the marathon experience, and nobody should feel ashamed for it. But deliberately planning to walk large portions of the race because training wasn’t taken seriously, or treating it as if it’s just another pacing strategy, is something entirely different.
A marathon is supposed to be hard. It’s not meant to be easy, comfortable, or something that anyone can just show up to and “complete” without effort. It’s a test of endurance, discipline, and mental toughness. Months of training, early mornings, long runs in cold or rainy conditions all of this prepares a runner to face the challenge head-on.
Crossing that finish line isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other; it’s about proving to yourself that you respected the distance and earned every single meter.
When we start normalizing walking half a marathon or more, we risk diluting the essence of what makes the distance special. The pride, the accomplishment, and the sense of overcoming something genuinely difficult are all part of why the marathon has earned its legendary status. Encouraging newcomers, supporting those who struggle, and promoting safe and smart running is important absolutely.
But there’s a difference between helping people succeed and reshaping a challenge so it no longer feels like a challenge at all.
Some things in life are supposed to stay tough. The marathon is one of them. That’s exactly why it matters. Crossing that line after truly giving it your all isn’t just completing a race it’s a personal victory, a moment of growth, and a reminder that some challenges are worth every ounce of effort they demand.
