Thoughts - 2006 MCM

Runners are crazy.

I have no doubt about that now. When I was training I had the idea that runners might be a little off, but it wasn’t confirmed until the race. Seriously, who would really want to run 26.2 miles for fun. I would understand running that far if a rabid bear was chasing you, but why do it for fun? And why dress up in a costume or carry a flag for the entire run? I still don’t really know why I wanted to do it. Yeah, it was on the list of things to do before I die, but why was it on the list? I think it might be because I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I still don’t really have a great mental idea about how far 26.2 miles is. I bet it’s farther than any sane person would want to run.

Having said all that, I think I also need to say that I had a LOT of fun doing this. There were times when the training was a pain (most of the long runs). There were times when I would have rather stayed in bed for another four hours instead of running (all of the runs). But it was fun. It was fun talking with the other runners in the group and sharing the pains and joys of the training runs. It was fun being able to tell people that I was just doing a ’short’ ten mile run for the weekend. It was fun knowing that runs with the millage in the double digits was not only doable; they’re easy. And the marathon itself was a blast. A total blast.

I also reaffirmed to myself that big stuff is doable. I’m not a runner. I don’t really enjoy running. I’m not one of those people who wakes up with the desire to put in five miles before breakfast. A year ago I couldn’t run two miles without needed to take a break. It was a lot of work, but all six of us from work finished the marathon and we finished strong. We weren’t twitching on the ground after the 26.2 miles. We were standing around laughing and all smiles. We were congratulating each other and basking in the glory of success. Two days after the race the only part of my body that hurt was my lips, because I didn’t think about protecting them from the cold and wind. I think most of the other people from work were in the same boat. It was a great time, and worth all the pains of training.

Will I do it again? The jury’s out on that one. Before the race my answer was nope, never again. Since then I’ve talked with other people and it seems that they’ve been inspired to run. I think that’s great. I have no desire to run a marathon again by myself. If some of my family and friends decide to do it I’ll give them encouragement, support and maybe company on the course.

One last thing: when you’re talking about how long a marathon is, don’t forget that .2 miles on the end. I realize that it doesn’t really seem significant when you’re talking about it. Guess what? People who stop at 26 miles don’t finish. Trust me, after running I know that those last .2 are significant.