the marathon is and will always be a great fitness challenge for just about anyone, of any shape or size, its also been called the "smart person's" fitness test because you do have to be smarter than most to finish this event standing up and ready for work Monday morning.  but any a-type idiot can finish a marathon with very little "training" and then whine about their shin splints after.

sadly many who take up this challenge for the first time do not dedicate the necessary time and energy, read the books, do the stretching, eat the right foods, etc.   stupid is as stupid does they say.  and there is nothing wrong with a non-runner who starts with some short distance races leading up to the full 26.2 miles.

finishing a marathon in the smart way is a great memory that anyone can do.  what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.