The Half Marathon Phenomenon
Wasting my time away last Sunday morning, I did what I typically do: I opened Instagram. As I scrolled, I became increasingly surprised at what I was looking at; my feed was brimming with people proudly posting about completing a half marathon.
I was perplexed.
Over the last six months, I have been hearing more and more people discussing their newfound running goals. Don’t get me wrong, they’re an incredible test of grit and resilience, and I aspire to develop those skills. But why has this become so common?
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Those in our generation have a desire to achieve something substantial, and the half marathon perfectly fits that mold. Not too long ago, committing to something like this would have seemed out of the ordinary for your stereotypical college student. Is it hubris — a snowball effect — that is making everyone envious of others and inspiring substantial accomplishment?
The half marathon phenomenon displays something deeper that is occurring within our generation. From a very young age, we’ve all been told that success only comes if we work toward it. And if we aren’t successful, then we have failed in life to some extent. So, many of us now feel the feverish pressure to be accomplished.
Humankind is made to desire success; our brains release dopamine when we achieve something. It’s interesting to compare the correlation between our dopamine-dependent generation and our push for strenuous physical activity. Our generation is addicted to dopamine and instant gratification. Perhaps we recognize the issue with instant gratification and fleeting pleasure and are instead searching for more sustainable ways to maintain that sense of fulfillment.
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Every year, the path to success feels like it’s getting smaller. Colleges are becoming more difficult to get into, the job market is shrinking for new hires and it seems like our peers are always one step ahead of us. Our desire to prove ourselves consumes our thoughts . The constant pressure to make something of ourselves transmits itself in many different ways, one of which seems to be that of competing in a half marathon.
For those who run, completing a half marathon alone is always an option. Yet, instead of running just for fun, people pay money to race and receive a medal upon crossing the finish line. That medal represents more than just the completion of the race; it gives people a tangible item that embodies their sense of purpose.
When finishers flock to social media to share their triumph, a sense of purpose and accomplishment that we all desire is fulfilled. In a time where only a small margin of Gen Z has a set plan for their future, the race creates a sense of stability. And that stability is something that many of us desire but few of us actually have.
We don’t need to have our entire lives planned out right now. I know that’s easier said than done, but as long as we focus on taking steps in the right direction, the rest will follow.
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Looking around, we see many people abstaining from alcohol, strictly focusing on school and their futures, and taking care of their bodies. Many people need a sense of control and stability in their tumultuous lives, and running gives them exactly that. It’s a discipline that usually goes hand in hand with having a structured routine. At the age of 20, I feel like my life has the potential to go in so many different directions. I am meeting people from all walks of life, all sharing their diverse perspectives and providing insight into what I may one day become. Focusing on one stable thing gives people a sense of security and time for inner peace. Could you call this level of discipline in your twenties a quarter-life crisis? Maybe so.
What constitutes the quarter-life crisis is ever-changing. In previous generations, it seemed like experimenting with drugs, partying all night and not figuring out what you wanted to do with your life until you were 30 was more fitting for the term. Whereas now, some may suggest that Gen Z is going through a self-discovery crisis. We see people our age staying out all night and acting like a stereotypical 20 something year old, but we also see many people going to almost extreme lengths to take care of their health and add a sense of structure and control to their lives.
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I think we all need to live and enjoy the lives we’re given. If that means you want to wake up at 5 a.m. every morning and run, power to you. Maturity means different things to different people, and the first part of maturity means not judging others for living their lives differently than how you choose to live. Our 20s are the time when we discover ourselves and who we want to become. Focus on what makes you truly happy and fulfilled, stray away from being easily influenced and act inquisitively. Now is the time for self-discovery. Half marathon or not, you are capable of whatever you put your mind to.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sofia Sepielli
Editor: Olivia Hansen
Sofia Sepielli is a writer for Strike Magazine GNV. She likes to think she has her life together until she’s running late to yoga or reorganizing her to-do list for the third time that day. Quiz her on any song from any genre, and there’s a good chance she’ll know it. She thrives on coffee shop ambiance, pretending to be productive, and oversharing in casual conversation. You can reach her on Instagram @sofiasepielli, or by email at sofiasepielli@gmail.com
