In comparing a Whitney dayhike to a marathon, there are just so many more variables at play with the hike that can produce less-than-desirable results.
My two cents worth:
I was a runner for the first part of my life but had to give it up for health reasons. At first I was happy to run 10k and 15k races but then I desided to train for a marathon. After running two 1/2 marathons (in a respectable time) I said "I am not cut out to be a long-distance runner." I wasn't limited by the physical aspect - mentally, I just did not want it badly enough.
Climbing big mountains: As Bulldog stated - too many variables invovled - and just cannot compare running a marathon to climbing big mountains.
So now, 20 years after giving up running and at the age of 51 - how did I have the mental strength to climb Everest?
Very interesting topic.
