Comments from Non-Marathoners (that are in my life)

Here are a few things that some people in my life have said about me running marathons (the runner in the picture above is Herb Kirk and he is 102 years young!):

"That's good for you, but no thanks."

"You are a glutton for punishment."

"So, what happened to you- that you feel like you need to do this sort of thing?"

"Are you going through some sort of mid-life-crisis?"

"Couldn't you think of better things to be spending your time on?"

"Are you addicted to running? I hear that some runners are addicted to the endorphin high you get!"

"What are you trying to prove?"

"That's crazy- running all that far and stuff."

"I could never do that sort of thing. It is for strong people."

"Fill in the blank."

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Let me share why I run marathons:

1. It's great for my health. I was 20 lbs. overweight and smoking with high cholesterol to boot.
2. It's great alone time with God and for myself. A lot of talking to the Lord takes place here. Singing to Him and simply enjoy his amazing presence.
3. Good for sight-seeing and enjoying the outdoors. There are a lot of good smells out there that are good for the body and mind.
4. Since of achievement. Setting a goal (marathon, or any official run) causes one to commit and to see it through. Holding to a schedule is an accomplishment.
5. It is a great metaphor for how to live my life. Nice and slow and wise. Stick to the plan, but be willing to be flexible when things change.
6. Sharing the enjoyment of running with others in hopes that they get the same satisfaction/benefit.
7. It strengthens my mental discipline/toughness and builds my character in persevering through rough spots.
8. It builds my character in that at many times during a marathon it's you, the road, and God. This can "feel" a bit lonely at times, but at a certain point in my understanding, I was able to come to appreciate this.
9. It's fun to run and talk with people when you get the chance. The talking, laughing, and basic distraction proves to be a benefit on long runs. It gets your mind off your aching muscles and the negative thoughts to quit.
10. I hope you get the picture. Running Marathons is probably a lot more than you considered. I hope you give it a try. I really do.

P.S. Putting regular walk breaks into running is the key to happy, healthy, easy running.

Later,

Jason