I always say if the marathon is a part-time interest, you will only get part-time results.
I ran my fastest marathon in the rain.
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.
I think today the difference in the marathon today is people train more for the final 10K, the final miles of the marathon.
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.