Marathon?

[fifili]

Anyone ever run a marathon? Which was more difficult, the marathon or childbirth?

Yeah, I've done both. Childbirth more difficult because I wasn't in control, the hospital was crowded, a lot of stress. The pain was worse (sorry) and for me the epidural made all the difference (no instruments, minimal tearing, 30 min pushing). So I had an ok birth but nothing I would consider beautiful or uplifting. The marathon was fun, inspiring, and to a large extent effortless (that runners high!). 30,000 people running and tons more cheering (this was in NYC).

I used to be an enthusiastic, if not particularly talented, triathlete in a previous life (no marathons, sorry!). Labour was much more difficult.
Probably not what you want to hear!

Can't really compare the two, since both the physical and mental sides are very different.

With a marathon (I've run 2) it's really all up to you, and you know you can stop any time. So you have to push yourself to keep going. It hurts, sure, but it's more of a mental thing. You have to mentally make yourself keep going with the physical side even though every instinct is telling you to stop the madness.

Childbirth is purely physical, and you can't just stop when it all gets too much. It hurts more, but instead of mentally pushing yourself to keep going, you have to just kind of mentally accept it and find the strength to get through it!

End result is the same though.... you feel amzingly proud of yourself and on a fantastic high!!

Short version - having a baby is harder!

Of course, for most women, having a baby takes longer than running a marathon and involves about the same amount of physical effort throughout, so is bound to be harder overall!!!