Is Writing Really Like A Marathon?

We recently had the Los Angeles Marathon, and two of my family members (spoiler: not me) ran it! It’s been said that writing is like a marathon, but is it really? The quote is often attributed to Robert McKee, and as I combed through running pics, I reflected on this analogy. Here’s my takeaway:

SIMILARITIES

Mileage

26.2 miles. Friends, this is long. Runners trekked from Dodger Stadium to Century City (see map below). Writing a novel is long; 70K-100K words is no joke. It takes perseverance and fortitude.

Iconic sights

The race journey passed by different areas, each with a special delight. Examples: Chinatown offered lion dancing, and Hollywood had an Oscar statue. And they got to run past Olvera Street, Echo Lake Park, Rodeo Drive. Not that any of my family stopped to take selfies… I think in a story, there’s a sense of discovery that also unfolds as we write. Writing often takes us across new and exciting avenues. Hurrah!

Turnarounds

The L.A. Marathon used to go out to the beach, to Santa Monica. Now, it has a turnaround. Like, marathoners literally run past the finish line and have to circle back. (Those doing the half marathon can claim victory earlier.) I feel like editing also reroutes us. This happens whether you’re a plotter or a pantser—and those edits make a difference in polishing up stories.

CONTRASTS

Spectators
In a marathon, there’s a crowd cheering you on. Maybe it’s the spectators with their signs and cowbells. Or the people handing out snacks and food, like the chili dog folks at mile four. Some supporters even made invincibility star boxes (a la Mario Kart) to tap for extra encouragement. Writers? We get silence. There’s only the internal cheerleader—and supportive writer friends (thanks, Chicks!).

Recognition

L.A. marathoners get a HUGE medal at the end of their race. Sadly, writers do not. In fact, the work might not even be picked up and published. (Thankfully, there are more publishing options than ever now.)

Outfits

Runners mostly wore athletic gear, but a few were decked out in costumes. Some had onesies, while others opted for tutus. Meanwhile, writers…hmm, do PJs count as fun attire?