🏃‍♀️ Should You Even Run a Fall Marathon?

We’re at that weird in-between moment:

✅ Spring races are behind us.
✅ Summer’s heating up.
✅ Training plans are popping up on every feed.
And you might be wondering: “Should I sign up? Should I start training again? Or should I just chill for a bit?”Here’s the truth: you don’t need to run a fall marathon just because everyone else is.

Let’s Check In Real Quick:

Ask yourself a few things before jumping into another 16-week grind:

🧠 Am I mentally excited… or just afraid of missing out?
If the thought of another training cycle fills you with dread (not butterflies), it might be your brain telling you it needs a reset.

🦵 Am I physically ready?
Still feeling that post-race soreness or injury niggles? Your body might be asking for more base building, not burnout.

🗓️ Do I have the life capacity for this right now?
Kids are home for summer, travel plans are wild, and your work calendar is a circus. Be honest: will marathon training add joy… or chaos?

❤️ Why am I doing this race?
Chasing a PR? Trying to prove something? Wanting to run with friends? All valid reasons, but knowing your “why” will shape the how.

If You’re Still Unsure…

You’re not behind. You’re not late. You’re not less of a runner.

👉 Maybe this is your comeback season.
👉 Maybe this is your base-building, strength-training, sun-soaking season.
👉 Maybe this is your spectating, cheering, volunteering, supporting-other-runners season.

And if you’re craving structure but not a full 26.2 commitment, why not:

• Try a half marathon instead?
• Focus on speed over mileage?
• Build an aerobic base so you’re stronger for winter training?

Here’s What I’m Doing

After the Tokyo Marathon, I decided to take the rest of the year off from training.

For the last 6 years, I’ve been going back-to-back with barely any rest between seasons and it caught up with me. I developed severe cartilage damage in both knees, and even though I’m now able to run again after surgery, I’m not rushing myself back into the circuit.

Instead, I’m focusing on other parts of my body, rebuilding my strength, and giving my legs the break they desperately deserve.Does that make me less of a runner? No.
Do I have FOMO? Hell yeah. But my health comes first. And that’s a win in its own right.

Let’s Chat

Are you running a fall marathon this year? Let’s keep the conversation going over on Instagram. DM me or drop a comment on my latest post and tell me your fall goals (or your reason for sitting this season out). I’d love to hear it!