The reason that I don't train the same way as you (that doesn't make it not proper) is because my goals are different.  I frankly hate running and yet I plan to run a marathon because 1) I'm very goal oriented and running has very discreet goals 2) Pushing yourself to do something that you don't love helps you out in other parts of your life.   If a person has a list of things they want to do in life, should they only do it if they're going to be the best at it?  Training for that amount of time in a week for months takes work and if you don't absolutely love it, why bother to do it over and over again to get good at it, you don't need that much for fitness.

If you complete a marathon and the training without injury, then you've properly trained.  I spend a fair amount of time in airports/airplanes and you can be darn sure that I'm not going to spend it uncomfortable and on crutches so that I can push myself to satisfy your marathon goals.

Finally, as more "common" people run marathons, they're going to have bodies that are less optimized for running.  I'm short and I frankly have no desire to have a marthon runners body, naturally I'm going to be slower.

Although I don't run quickly, I put in as many miles on my training plan as anyone else does.

 

 

I'm training for a 1/2 marathon and I'm putting in 80-100 miles/week.   You do too?

I think the operative question would be why do you ask?  I personally believe in stoicism or the concept that the measure of the man (or women) is not where they are or what they have but the challenges they have overcome to get there.  It may have been very difficult for you to get to the 80 to 100 mpw mark but I wonder if it was as difficult as loosing 130 lbs.  The point being, your reply sounds a bit condescending.  Training that many miles a week for a half marathon your time should be less than 1:10 and if it is I congratulate you. You must be nationally ranked and have a couple sponsorships.  I would think you might have words of encouragement for struggling newbies.

I agree in some way . I think that if you want to run a marathon you should consider training for it. Why I am saying this? Well I am running/jogging since Jan 2006 and I am still working on my speed. For me it would be gratifying to reach a 1/2 marathon in less than 2 hours, but I can't reach this yet. The idea of walking/ running is not in my agenda, because I want to be able to feel good that I ran the whole **** race.The only thing that could make me walk in a race would be a injury. I mentally always tell myself, that it is easy to walk so why even bother to register for running then? ( in the races here you can register for walking or running: they are organized together) Anyway that's my opinion. Maybe I am wrong, but I will keep trying to get better at this sport and will support anyone who is willing to do so also.

Is there really a huge debate?  I think I've observed runners, that have run for several years, falling into two groups:

Zen runners, those happy to run along at about 70% MHR often chatting away with a partner or checking out the birds, flowers and trees. Often they run up to 50-60 MPW, have an enjoyable time and finish a run metally recharged and ready to take on the world.  While they get a lot of the cardiac and fitness benefits of running they don't necessarily get faster or win age group awards but generally don't care. And

Rabbits, those runners that generally have some success in their age group or even overall which inspires them to want to see how fast they really can go.  Generally driven by that damm clock, they develop training programs for optimal speed and performance and often don't like a run that doesn't leave them winded. (Doesn't mean they don't have easy runs; they just don't seem to like them)

The marathon, unlike a 5K say, seems to draw both groups equally and you may see why they don't seem to get along. But I've never understood why members of one group feel the need to devalue the other.   Often, for people that run over several decades, runners spend time in both groups (bicurious?) and switch back and forth over time. 

The thing is YOU (any runner) have to determine your motivation and do what makes you happy.   One of the best times I had at a sporting event was being about 1/2 a mile from the finish at Boston 2 years ago and cheering for the finishers and slapping hands.  I was there for the winners and until roughly the 5 hour finishers and it was great because everyone of them was so glad to be finishing.  I applaud the goals and successes of all runners but does it change why or how I lace them up? Not a bit.

I have to say I thought you were one of the running snobs with your first post.  You seem to be less angry with this one. 

Like you said not everyone has your perspective on life.  Also, not everyone has your ability or will.  Does that mean they shouldn't race?  Absolutely not. 

It's these "joggers" that support these races and pay the purses that the more accomplished runners win.  It's the masses that have kept this sport alive.  We don't get the NFL press or the MLB press so we need what we can and if that is a recreational runner who just wants to be in the race then hooray for the recreational runner. Thank you for supporting my sport and giving it the water cooler press.  Every little bit helps.

And honestly why do you care how others train?

Wow you are a running snob with horrible grammar.  I guess I don't "no" my place. LOL