I've been a runner for decades, but I've only ever done one marathon, more than 10 years ago. It broke me in so many ways. The training impacted on family life way too much, not just the time running, but the fact that I was so tied when I wasn't running. Mentally and physically I think it took me a year to recover. I was early 40s then with two youngish children, a busy job/life etc.
Since then I've always said I'll never do another, but my life has changed enormously. I'm mid 50s, single, children now adults, a rewarding and interesting job, demanding at times, but I only work 3 days. I'm running 3/4 times a week and can comfortably run a half marathon in just over 2 hours.
Life is pretty good, but I spend too much time online, have found myself struggling for motivation, not just for running, but simple things like keeping on top of housework. I have time on my hands so nothing ever feels urgent, so I don't get it done at all iyswim. I could do with a different focus and something to work towards.
Anyway an acquaintance, a really committed runner who is very supportive in the running community, has signed up to do a European City marathon in the spring and booked hotel rooms (to hold the price, but can be cancelled) so people can join if they'd like. He's put out an open invitation. I am very tempted to ask him to help me train for it, which he has done for lots of people over the years.
For full disclosure, possibly this is influenced by the fact that he's a single man my age and we've had the odd "moment" at social events recently 😆 I've no idea of that will come to anything, but I think the whole thing could be really good for me regardless....