Half-marathons: the trending quarter-life crisis

Why does seemingly every person in their 20s impulsively sign up for a half-marathon? And actually follow through with it–often on little to no training? All I’ve ever heard from new or non-runners are comments about how hard running is. If people usually dread going on a run, what is it about a 21K race that is so enticing?

Young people often find themselves floating between childhood and adulthood and are just trying to figure things out: where they want to live, what career to pursue and which people and hobbies make them happy. Right now, run clubs are all the buzz, encouraging people to get out of the house, be active and social and commit to something. Social media plays a huge role in promoting these groups, and makes it look like everyone is running—and thriving.

@lucygeorgia First half marathon in the bag!!!!! from picking up running at the start of April to completing my first race, I am SO PROUD OF MYSELF🥹🥇 #running #halfmarathon #raceday ♬ original sound – Lucy

Hearing so many people rave about their new hobby makes others wonder: how hard can it really be? Users on Reddit think that although impulsive, the decision is exactly the initiative they need to begin their running journey. Whether you signed up on a whim on your own or with friends, you’ve paid for the event–and road races aren’t cheap. So backing out now isn’t really an option, especially if the race is right around the corner. The only thing left for you to do is lace up your shoes and show up.

“I signed up for my first marathon very last-minute too, it’s a great principle to act on,” one Reddit user said. “I only had a couple weeks to train, but that sort of thing forces you to start, and improve as you go, instead of waiting for perfection.”

Participants of the trend seem to agree that it’s more of a mental test than anything–a way to challenge yourself differently. Being able to fight through doubt or discomfort gives a sense of accomplishment, but most still admit they know the real battle is returning to the race a second time with a bigger goal than just crossing the finish line.

@internationalpopstarj Raw dogging my first half marathon #halfmarathon #marathontraining #phillymarathon #running #crosscountry #loverun ♬ Back On 74 – Jungle

“While part of me feels like a badass on completing these distances on little to no training, I honestly just feel like maybe I’m just lazy and the real test is the training for an event to run the event instead of just completing it,” another user wrote.

But is it wise?

Some users disagree about the growing trend of impulsive half-marathons. Some describe the trend as reckless and irresponsible, arguing that it puts runners at risk of injury.

@natwaugh Safe to say race day wasnt my day 🫣 #halfmarathontraining #raceday #halfmarathon #longrun #run #runner #running #runtok #fittok #fail #racewithme #chicago ♬ walking on a dream by empire of the sun – sophie

A one-time, spontaneous race that gets you excited and motivated won’t hurt you, but it’s not a good idea to subject yourself to 21 kilometres of impact regularly without building up volume and incorporating strength training and recovery. As much as it seems “easy” for everyone else on social media, it’s not any less unsustainable or unrealistic.

“Happy recovery! Good job finishing, but also listen to your body,” one post reads. “Don’t get in the habit of doing half marathons or anything more without training. The injuries you can cause for this are just not worth it. Everyone’s body is different, obviously, but still, running puts a lot of pressure on your knees and other joints.”

@morechrisgriffin POV: you found the best run club in Sydney… The run club this week was a VIBE! Be sure to make it down to the bondi beach outdoor gym every wednesday at 5:30am. See you there 🤜🏼🤛🏼 #running #runclub #bondibeach #lifestyle ♬ original sound – Chris Griffin

If you find yourself looking for a new goal, you don’t need to tackle a half-marathon head-on. Joining a run club will bring on that sense of community and purpose you may be missing; a more gradual way of committing to challenging yourself, rather than diving into the deep end.