Would You Rather Run a Marathon or Swim Five Miles: A Personal Perspective

Choosing between a marathon and swimming five miles can be a tough decision, especially for those who prefer one over the other due to personal abilities or preferences. For some, running a marathon is a challenge they enjoy and can easily train for, while others face the daunting task of improving their swimming form to complete a 5-mile distance.

Personal Preference: Running a Marathon

Personally, I would opt for running a marathon. I run 15 kilometers comfortably and believe it's entirely possible to train and complete a marathon with the right preparation. On the other hand, my swimming form is mediocre, and I don't see a significant improvement in my abilities anytime soon. Therefore, the logical choice for me is to run a marathon, where I can enjoy being outdoors, engage with fellow runners, and have a fun experience.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Activities

Running a marathon offers the benefit of being outdoors, where you can enjoy the scenery, socialize with other runners, and experience the excitement of facing a grand challenge. In contrast, swimming can be a monotonous activity that lacks variety and social engagement.

Some individuals prefer the structured environment of a treadmill over the open course of a marathon. However, the freedom and fresh air make a marathon much more engaging. Running allows participants to connect with nature, enjoy the company of others, and build a sense of accomplishment.

Personal Experience: Running vs. Swimming

I have personal experience with both running and swimming. I have run marathons and swam up to 3 miles, but the idea of swimming 5 miles seems daunting. In terms of swimming, I have swum 5 miles on several occasions, often daily, coming close to 7 kilometers per training session. A 5-mile swim is equivalent to 8 kilometers, which I have successfully completed numerous times.

On the running side, I am preparing for my first marathon as part of an Ironman event on November 18th. Running a marathon is something that comes with a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction that swimming a substantial distance often lacks.

Expert Experience: Running Over Swimming

For those who have extensive experience in both activities, the answer might be clearer. One individual has run 19 marathons and swam up to 14–15 kilometers. Despite having the ability to swim, their buoyancy is poor, and swimming a longer distance feels more like staying afloat than propulsion. This expert opinion supports the view that running a marathon is often a more viable and enjoyable option for many individuals.

Another individual mentions having swum over 5 miles multiple times but points out a significant limitation: their inability to swim 400 yards without struggling. This firsthand experience underscores the challenges some face when it comes to swimming lengthy distances.

Both these accounts highlight the ease with which one can run a marathon, even in a deconditioned state, yet the difficulty in improving swimming skills to the required level. Running also offers a broader range of physical and mental benefits, making it a more accessible choice for many people.

Conclusion

While swimming a distance of five miles can be a magnificent achievement, the decision between running a marathon and swimming five miles often hinges on personal comfort and preference. For those who find themselves more aligned with the open course and social aspects of running, the marathon offers a rewarding and holistic fitness experience that swimming may not fully capture, especially for those who are not strong swimmers.