Training for and running a marathon takes so much mental and physical energy that it is sometimes easy to forget how much fun you are having. But there is definitely a lot of fun to be had in the overall experience.

• Travel: If you love to travel, marathon running is a great excuse to visit a new city or country. You’ll get to see a lot of the local area in the race and may even be able to score discounted marathon runner rates on hotel rooms.
• New running clothes: You’ll be running a lot, so you won’t be able to get away with one or two running outfits unless you want to be doing laundry constantly. Picking up new running gear is a great way to reward yourself for sticking to your training.
• Local discoveries: If you typically stick to shorter distances for running and racing, training for a marathon will force you to find new places to run, since you’ll be running a lot and you’ll get bored with the same routes.
• Finisher’s swag: Whether it’s a medal, a shirt, or a great finishing photo, you’ll get something that’s a recognition of your achievement. You may not wear it or look at it all the time, but it’ll be there when you need a tangible reminder of your running prowess.
• Bragging rights: Once you cross that finish line, you’re a marathon finisher and will always be one. No one can ever take that title away from you.