...My friend has never hiked Whitney but says that running a marathon is harder...my friend will come to Whitney with me this summer and we will find out!
I have known "ultra-marathoners" who thought it could be done "without" having to train. I told them that hauling their "sustenance" in a pack on their back does make a tremendous difference. Extra weight, center of gravity, etc. They take off like jackrabbits only to start slowing down after TSM on the way to TC then bonk at the base of the SBs.
Well, they found out the hard way. When they turned around to go back I mentioned, "Hey, at least your are halfway there."
Hiking MW is definitely a lot tougher than a 26.21875 mile marathon. I don't know of too many marathons starting at 8,365 feet. Maybe there's one, but who knows.
Your friend is in for an "enlightenment" if he/she thinks marathons are tougher.
Hope your friend heeds the advise of all. I wish your friend the best and that the both of you make it to the summit regardless of your "disagreement."
Have fun.
