Is everyone running a marathon right now?

Footy season is over. The Australian Open doesn’t start for a few months. And it seems Melburnians, searching for another sport to obsess over, have landed on long-distance running.

Every weekend there’s another marathon, half marathon, fun run or charity race. Wonderful causes, enthusiastic crowds and an awful lot of Lycra.

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Running is having a moment. And I know this because even my children and their friends are doing it.

When your children start discussing long runs and race entries, you realise this has moved well beyond your own fitness bubble. Long-distance running is officially fashionable.

The accessories include gels, Shokz headphones and watches that cost more than my first car. Conversations about cadence and kilometre splits are taking place over matcha and avocado toast.

Apparently, brunch is no longer enough of a Sunday morning activity. We now need to run 21 kilometres before ordering it.

And honestly? As trends go, I’m delighted.

Getting outdoors, moving your body, supporting charities and spending time with friends? There are worse things to get swept up in.

So if you’re tempted to join them, here’s my advice.

Go for it. Join the trend. Just give your body time to catch up with your enthusiasm.

Because signing up takes about three minutes. Preparing to run the distance takes considerably longer.

Especially if your entry was the result of cocktail number three at Friday night drinks.

“The whole office is doing a half marathon. You should join!”

“Sure!”

“Have you ever run 21 kilometres?”

“No. But I’ve walked from the MCG to Richmond Station after the footy. How different can it be?”

I’m not here to talk you out of it. Sometimes an impulsive yes is the beginning of something wonderful.

But that yes needs a plan.

Choose a distance that gives you a realistic challenge and enough time to prepare. Build your running gradually. Keep strength training in the mix. Allow time for recovery.

Your cardiovascular enthusiasm and your legs don’t always progress at the same speed. Give the legs a chance.

And then enjoy the process, because some of the best bits happen well before race day.

Getting out of bed when you’d rather stay under the doona. Meeting a friend for a run you might otherwise have skipped. Reaching a distance that felt impossible a month earlier.

Discovering that running involves considerably more laundry and discussion of toenails than you anticipated.

Every time you show up, you build fitness. You also collect a little evidence that you can do difficult things.

That’s what I love about a running goal. You don’t have to be naturally sporty or the fastest in your group. You need a sensible plan and the willingness to keep showing up once the novelty wears off.

The crowds and finish line are fabulous. But arriving there knowing you’ve put in the work? That’s a feeling worth chasing.

So yes, let your children, your friends or the entire office inspire you. Sign up for the 5km, the half or, with enough preparation, the marathon.

Let the trend get you started. Let consistency get you ready.