So, you’ve been toying with the idea of running 26.2. Should you sign up? Can you handle the training? Take this quiz to know if you’re ready to run a marathon.
I received free entry to the Miami Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
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My last full marathon was almost two years ago. A lot has happened since crossing that finish line. I moved, got a dog, bought a house, got married, got another dog and yes, ran a few more races.
After finishing the NYC Marathon (my fourth marathon), I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d run another 26.2. Over the past (almost) two years, a number of friends asked if I wanted to run marathons with them, but the idea just didn’t appeal to me.
It’s hard. Training is time consuming. It’s hard. I’ll have a lot of early mornings. It’s hard. I’ll have to buy new shoes…wait… that’s a perk!
I figured I’d eventually get the marathon bug again, but until then, I’d just stick with half marathons.
Then I received the opportunity to run the Miami Marathon with BibRave.
I started to get excited. Miami would be fun! The Miami Marathon is a big international race. There would be a lot of crowd support and good vibes. Plus, I can turn the race into a racecation, one that Will will actually go on with me (he’s loved Miami since going for his bachelor party). Alright marathon bug, you bit me.
Of course, deciding to run a marathon isn’t always as easy as catching the bug. You have to weigh the pros and cons. So how exactly do you know if you’re ready to run a marathon? I put together this handy dandy little quiz to help you find if you should go the full 26.2.
Write down your answers to the questions below. When you’re done, tally up your a’s, b’s, c’s and d’s to determine whether or not you’re ready to run a marathon. Let’s hit the ground running!
Take This Quiz to Know If You’re Ready to Run a Marathon
What’s the longest distance you’ve ever run?
a. Less than three miles. Running is kind of the worst.
b. 5K-10K
c. Half marathon
d. Full marathon or more
How did you feel when you crossed the finish line of your last race?
a. IDK, I’ve never run a race
b. Relieved it was over!
c. Pretty awesome but wish I got a faster time.
d. Like I was the most badass person on the planet! Can we do that again?
What do you enjoy the most about races?
a. Not sure. I’ve never run one.
b. The finish line ‘cause that means it’s over.
c. The crowd support makes me feel like a rockstar.
d. The endorphins and knowing I’m doing something awesome.
What are your thoughts about long runs?
a. Are zombies chasing me? That’s the only reason I’d run more than a minute.
b. Define long run.
c. They’re tough but make me feel strong.
d. Bring. It. On!
How much time are you willing to dedicate to training each week?
a. Each week? How long is this going to take?
b. Whenever I can squeeze it in.
c. A few hours a week as long as it doesn’t interfere with anything else.
d. As much as my plan says I need. Training will be a top priority.
What does carb-load mean to you?
a. Do you mean car load? Like fill my car with stuff for the race?
b. Drink all the beers!
c. Eat a few extra carbs the night before a big run.
d. Make sure I’m getting in some extra carbs and nutrition in the days leading up to a big run.
Have you ever sustained a running-related injury?
a. You can get injured from running?
b. Yes, I’m currently injured.
c. Yes, but now I’m back and feeling stronger than ever.
d. Nope. I’m a cross-training-foam-rolling Jedi!
When is the marathon you’re thinking of running?
a. I think there’s one this weekend.
b. About a month away.
c. 4-10 weeks from now.
d. 10-16+ weeks from now.
Why do you want to run a marathon?
a. Eh, I don’t really, but those 26.2 stickers are cool.
b. I lost a bet and now I have to.
c. I want get in shape and do something new.
d. I love the challenge!
Now it’s time to tally up your answers. If you answered:
Mostly a’s: You’d rather run away from a marathon than run in one. Rather than go from 0 to 26.2, why not sign up for a shorter-distance race or a fun run to test out whether or not you enjoy running and race culture?
Mostly b’s: You’re a casual runner who might be ready for a marathon down the road. Before you sign up for a full, make sure you’re injury-free and go for a half! 13.1 is a great way to see if training for a longer distance is do-able for you and your schedule and to test out whether or not you even enjoy distance running.
Mostly c’s: You have half or two under your belt, but now it’s time for a new challenge. If you’re injury free and have at least 12 weeks to dedicate to training, go for that marathon! My advice is to pick a race that will have a lot of crowd support, and don’t go into it with a time goal. Just have fun and do the damn thing!
Mostly d’s: You’re a marathoner through and through. You have a few medals on your rack but there’s room for more. You know what training entails, and, TBH, you’re excited to start logging some long runs. What are you waiting for? Sign up for that race!
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Whether you’re ready for a full or decide to start with a 5K, come join me in Miami! Use code “BIBRAVE19” for $10 OFF the Miami full or half marathon and $5 OFF the Tropical 5K alone.
What are you currently training for? Share your training and fitness related posts in today’s Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up!
Let’s Chat:
What are your quiz results?

I am running a marathon in 10 days, but I flunked the quiz! Oh no!!! I have never been so undertrained for a marathon. I am hoping to just survive. Ugh!
I did the Miami marathon a few years ago and loved it! It’s beautiful – especially at the start when you run across the causeway to Miami Beach and all of the lights from the cruise ships are so pretty. Plus, it’s completely pancake flat. Miami in January is definitely a great destination.
Laurie recently posted…Horse-Shoe Trail in Southeastern PA
Oh no!! Just take it slow, walk through water stations and have fun at the race! I’m so happy to hear you liked Miami. I’m nervous and excited all at the same time.
I’m a mix of c and d’s. Still on the fence if I want to sign up for my second marathon 😛
I think you should do Miami with me ;-P
Such a great post! It’s so important to be mentally prepared for all the training that comes along with a marathon. Sometimes I think that’s the hardest part.
What a fun quiz! I answered with pretty much all d’s, but unfortunately my marathon days are most likely behind me due to my back injury in 2012. I guess that just shows that even though my body isn’t cooperative, my heart and head are still wanting to run marathons. I guess I should be grateful that I was able to run 40 marathons before I was forced into retirement, right?
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Hiking In Arches National Park In Southern Utah
40 marathons is pretty darn amazing!!!
Love this! I’m running my second marathon in October and it’s going to be the Chicago Marathon so I’m excited to travel and see new sights! It is time consuming so it will probably be a while before I just into another one but I’ve had a blast training for this one. Maybe Miami will be a travel race in the future!
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness recently posted…Dealing With Muscle Imbalances
I’ve heard Chicago is awesome. Maybe I’ll do that one one day…
Great minds! This is such a fun quiz and, as you said, it goes so well with my post today. Is it okay if I link to it in my post?
Debbie recently posted…Your First Marathon: 26.2 Tips for Training (and Completing) Your First 26.2
Yes, of course! I’d love for you to 🙂
I wasn’t surprised by my results. Mostly Ds and a few Cs! I’m signed up for two marathons this fall. I am trying to get at least two in per year!
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…What’s Your BHAG?
I love your quiz, so creative! The Miami marathon sounds awesome, I have a good friend that has run it a few times. It’ll be great to follow along as you train!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Awesome Sound Quality with Aftershokz Trekz Air Headphones
What a fantastic quiz! Yes, already done and I think I am ready to run a marathon. I will suggest to take this quiz to all of my friends as well. Thank you.
Danielle recently posted…How Running 3 Miles a Day Will Transform Your Life
Great! This is such a fun quiz
Heman recently posted…Flipkart Quiz Answers Today | Flipkart Cricket Edition Daily Trivia Answers Today