I'm running my first marathon on Sunday. Is this a rational decision?. RTE Brainstorm

Description

Dr Emma Howard, DCU, questions the rationality of running her first marathon. She quotes Smells Like Team Spirit, PLOS One. 

"There is evidence to suggest that marathon runners who are part of a running club run faster marathons. This could of course be a selection effect, faster runners are more likely to join a running club, but it could also be that being a club member is an additional commitment device. Having scheduled times to run makes you less likely to skip them, and being a member of a club gives you additional accountability, not to mention the additional benefits of expert coaching."