In my opinion, there's too much emphasis on just the long run in preparing for the marathon.

I ran my fastest marathon in the rain.

The starting line of the New York City marathon is kind of a giant time bomb behind you about to go off. It is the most spectacular start in sport.

The marathon can humble you.

Aiming for the marathon is a task of sorts which can include terrific highs and lows.

I also feel it usually takes 4 or 5 races to hit your best marathon for your body to be accustomed to the training AND the race itself.