A month ago, I was very enthusiastic about preparing for my very first marathon. However after barely a month of training for it and some consideration, I have decided to pull out of it.
I was allocating the days I do not head to the gym or have any match/training sessions with my amateur football team to preparing for the marathon. I thought I could very well handle it and all that was needed was continuity and perseverance. I was wrong, very wrong.
During my workouts at the gym, in order to improve, I aim for intensity, to push over my limit and increase my strength. And due to that, even with the help of daily protein shakes, I would require a day or two to let my sore muscles recover. Running does not only involve your leg muscles, but also other parts of your body.
On 1 occasion, I had to endure a sore back from the workout the previous day and I was made to suffer when I got a very serious backache the following day. It was so bad that sitting upright alone caused some major discomfort.
Lately, my health has been letting me down. I have been falling ill far too often. Gone were the days where I was able to stay healthy for an entire year with the exception of a day or two. Just barely midway into the first month of 2009, I have already fallen victim on more than 2 occasions.
At my age, I must start paying attention to my body or I might pay the price for it in my later years. I think it is about time I start heeding the advice of my doctor, to loosen up and not push myself this hard. This is why I have decided to pull out.
I would have probably disappointed and disgusted many for having such a mentality, especially my fellow runners participating in the 42.195km marathon. Those who personally know me, they know it is very unlike me to just give up in this manner, but I hope you guys would understand why I have come to this tough decision.
22 year old fitness enthusiast currently pursuing a Bachelor in Computer Science at the University of Adelaide and aspiring to become a Web Developer in the near future. 
better be safe then sorry!!!!
good to know that you know your limits.
Like I mentioned before, I totally understand ur predicament. U can always help in other ways when we start to ask for donations!
Do put in a run or two when time allows though.
Thanks, I hope you will continue motivating the rest to keep training for the run. As for me, I will do a run when I have time on my side and when I do not have any training sessions on that particular weekend.