JimSullivan commented in a recent thread that it was worrisome that somebody might view a marathon as a goal and not have longterm running goals.

*not trying to pick on Jim, btw 

Why is that a bad thing?

I do agree that trying a marathon without training for it sensibly isn't the best idea ... but after it's completed I really don't see why moving on to something else like kayaking, rollerblading, biking, swimming, fitness classes, kickboxing, or whatever would be bad ... so long as fitness, fun, and keeping a healthy lifestyle are still pieces of the puzzle.  The driving force in some folks lives is in perfecting their art/passion ... but for others the force is to experience as many things as possible ... to each their own ...

just my thoughts ... not a judgment ...