How sluggish newbies ruined the marathon?
Wow. I am a believer in freedom of speech but this article, Running with Slowpokes, really got to me today. The author of the article criticizes first and one-time marathoners that are out there to "just finish the race". His basic point of view is that the marathon has been diluted by wannabee runners who are just trying to check things off their life goals list. Well SO WHAT?
Who said that the marathon needs to be for serious runners looking to finish in 3:20 instead of just crossing the finish line? What is wrong with setting a goal of completing a 26.2 mile run, even if it's in 6 hours and you have to run/walk/limp/crawl to get there? I know it's one runners opinion and I know there are many that share this point of view, but training for a marathon and completing it means so many different things to so many different people. Why can't a cancer survivor beat cancer and complete the marathon as a true testament to her strength and determination? Why can't an overweight individual make a life change and decide that the marathon will give them additional motivation to continue on their new life journey? Why can't two friends come home drunk after a night on the town and decide that they want to sign up for the marathon on a whim, just to prove to themselves they could do it?
So what does this mean for me? This article comes at a good time in my training when I haven't been able to sort out my body aches and I'm starting to really worry about whether or not I will be able to achieve my goal... based on the time I have left to train. It has made me reassess my goals and think back to why I wanted to begin this journey in the first place.
For me, it comes down to this. Since highschool, I have wanted to run the half marathon and never actually believed that I could do it. The marathon was an impossible dream that was reserved for "real runners". As I have said so many times before, these amazing women came into my life and all of a sudden, these dreams started to become reality. I ran a half marathon and loved training for and running the race. I did my first triathlon and loved training for and completing the race. The journey has been the truly amazing part of "checking things of the life goals list".
So my question again is, why can't the ups and downs of the journey, and the time spent with amazing friends be enough of a reason to train for the marathon? It can be! I feel blessed that this article came to me today, because I really needed to reevaluate why I decided to run/walk/limp/crawl the marathon in the first place. I want to do it because the journey with my friends does more for me and my self worth than crossing the finish line ever will. Yes, getting over that line is an incredible feeling, but it's the months leading up to that day that make me who I am and contribute so much to my happiness. It's an extra excuse to get up at 4:15 am on dark, cold mornings and make my way to the club to meet my favorite running partners.
As I lace up later today and walk out the door for my run I will remember this feeling and the feeling before I had the looming goals and pressure to complete the race. I want to have fun and yes, I want to complete the race. In case you are wondering, it would be nice to run a 10 minute mile and finish in 4:22. But I want my journey to my first marathon to be a great one, and I will work hard to get there. If I finish in 4:22 or I have to crawl across the line, I am only going to remember how I got there, and the beautiful friends and supporters that made it possible.
On that note, I want to thank all of my friends, family and supporters. Everyone contributes so much to this journey... even the friends that we've never met that leave comments on our blogs. Every bit of feedback means a lot and keeps us going when the going gets tough. None of you will criticize me if I cross the line in 6 hours, or if for some reason don't make it at all. You'll be there to help me get up and get moving again... as you always do! We're all at different points in our respective journeys, and I continue to gain strength from all of your big wins and from the determination you put in to hurdle the obstacles in your lives. Thank you. :)
Today's data:
Breakfast
Cereal with banana and skim milk (360 cals)
Milk in 2 coffees (60 cals)
Lunch
Grapes (75 cals)
2 whole grain dark rye crisp breads (80 cals)
Swiss cheese slice (110 cals)
Egg beaters (50 cals)
Tomato (30 cals) with low fat cottage cheese (100 cals)
Pre Workout
1/2 Pria Bar (85 cals)
Workout
Great run through trails at a beautiful park!
52 minutes
530 cals
Dinner
Veggie burger (405 cals)
Cabbage (30 cals)
Total
1385 cals
Who said that the marathon needs to be for serious runners looking to finish in 3:20 instead of just crossing the finish line? What is wrong with setting a goal of completing a 26.2 mile run, even if it's in 6 hours and you have to run/walk/limp/crawl to get there? I know it's one runners opinion and I know there are many that share this point of view, but training for a marathon and completing it means so many different things to so many different people. Why can't a cancer survivor beat cancer and complete the marathon as a true testament to her strength and determination? Why can't an overweight individual make a life change and decide that the marathon will give them additional motivation to continue on their new life journey? Why can't two friends come home drunk after a night on the town and decide that they want to sign up for the marathon on a whim, just to prove to themselves they could do it?
So what does this mean for me? This article comes at a good time in my training when I haven't been able to sort out my body aches and I'm starting to really worry about whether or not I will be able to achieve my goal... based on the time I have left to train. It has made me reassess my goals and think back to why I wanted to begin this journey in the first place.
For me, it comes down to this. Since highschool, I have wanted to run the half marathon and never actually believed that I could do it. The marathon was an impossible dream that was reserved for "real runners". As I have said so many times before, these amazing women came into my life and all of a sudden, these dreams started to become reality. I ran a half marathon and loved training for and running the race. I did my first triathlon and loved training for and completing the race. The journey has been the truly amazing part of "checking things of the life goals list".
So my question again is, why can't the ups and downs of the journey, and the time spent with amazing friends be enough of a reason to train for the marathon? It can be! I feel blessed that this article came to me today, because I really needed to reevaluate why I decided to run/walk/limp/crawl the marathon in the first place. I want to do it because the journey with my friends does more for me and my self worth than crossing the finish line ever will. Yes, getting over that line is an incredible feeling, but it's the months leading up to that day that make me who I am and contribute so much to my happiness. It's an extra excuse to get up at 4:15 am on dark, cold mornings and make my way to the club to meet my favorite running partners.
As I lace up later today and walk out the door for my run I will remember this feeling and the feeling before I had the looming goals and pressure to complete the race. I want to have fun and yes, I want to complete the race. In case you are wondering, it would be nice to run a 10 minute mile and finish in 4:22. But I want my journey to my first marathon to be a great one, and I will work hard to get there. If I finish in 4:22 or I have to crawl across the line, I am only going to remember how I got there, and the beautiful friends and supporters that made it possible.
On that note, I want to thank all of my friends, family and supporters. Everyone contributes so much to this journey... even the friends that we've never met that leave comments on our blogs. Every bit of feedback means a lot and keeps us going when the going gets tough. None of you will criticize me if I cross the line in 6 hours, or if for some reason don't make it at all. You'll be there to help me get up and get moving again... as you always do! We're all at different points in our respective journeys, and I continue to gain strength from all of your big wins and from the determination you put in to hurdle the obstacles in your lives. Thank you. :)
Today's data:
Breakfast
Cereal with banana and skim milk (360 cals)
Milk in 2 coffees (60 cals)
Lunch
Grapes (75 cals)
2 whole grain dark rye crisp breads (80 cals)
Swiss cheese slice (110 cals)
Egg beaters (50 cals)
Tomato (30 cals) with low fat cottage cheese (100 cals)
Pre Workout
1/2 Pria Bar (85 cals)
Workout
Great run through trails at a beautiful park!
52 minutes
530 cals
Dinner
Veggie burger (405 cals)
Cabbage (30 cals)
Total
1385 cals
posted by Aleks @ 1:00 PM
4 Comments:
At 3:13 PM,
In the sky, above the clouds said…
Aleks-
I've read your blog a few times before and this one really was wonderful. I am training to run a half-marathon myself, and I am not a runner (yet anyways!). I was worried about doing the marathon as it is a huge deal here, and I've never done anything like this before. I hope that there are people that feel the same way you do at my marathon. That I don't have to be a "real" runner, that I can just be me. Good luck with your marathon and I hope you get feeling better soon. Keep up the great blog!
At 3:37 PM,
Jessica said…
YES. You said it. Great post, and thanks for letting me be a part of your running life, and you a part of mine!
At 9:30 PM,
Wes said…
Beautifully said, Aleks. Someone who would write that kind of article can't see the forest for the trees. They are too wrapped up in themselves to appreciate the true aspect of the race. And my dear, I am looking to you for inspiration in the upcomming months to my own half. You and the princesses are a tremendous inspiration and hearing about your trials, tribulations, and personal victories in races is just icing on the cake.
And J-E-S-U-S C-H-R-I-S-T in the sky, pardon my sacriligous exclamation. If you strap on your shoes and step out the door, you are a runner. What is wrong with these people?
At 5:38 AM,
Regan said…
I've been mulling this article now for over 24 hours...and it still steams me! How arrogant to think that the only reason to run a marathon is his? Danielle is incensed! But, then, it did make me think and you're right - it was a nice check in. I feel so on track these days! You're so awesome Aleks!
Hugs hugs hugs,
Regan
Post a Comment
<< Home