Who Dat? wrote:
But the lack of improvement is largely the result of ignorance. They don't know what they're doing. And they end up grouping and training with others of similar ability who also have no idea what they're doing.
Ever look at marathon training programs? They're all about the structure of grouping people with like abilities together and think that there'll be some mutual desire to improve if you cheer each other on. Most of them are trying to run for their first time and just want to finish - and that's what it should be.
There are generally two thoughts after someone runs their first marathon - 1) I'm never doing this again - ever and 2) That wasn't so bad, I think I can do better.
If you're in #2's camp - then you look at how to get faster and train more and balance that against life requirements. As much as I'd like to BQ and dedicate 10+ hours a week to training with an awesome plan/coach and recovery, my husband would leave me if I did this. So, my primary focus is how can I get faster but yet not neglect the rest of my life? If that means I'm a perpetual 4:30 marathoner, then so be it.