The Feeling Of The Marathon

It has been a few days since Cheryl's historic finish at the Little Rock Marathon.    I finally have time to reflect upon the quest and philosophy of  such an event that has been running around in my mind for the last several days.  Possibly for several years!  And so it is, that I will attempt to put down on paper  some of my thoughts  to try to explain my understanding.

First,  I would like to say that there are three types of people when it comes to running a Marathon.   The first are the people who actually run the thing.   26.2 miles!   It is not easy, and they certainly look like they have survived a battle at the end of it.  Only 1% of the population in America has ever run a Marathon.

Second are the people who have never actually run the Marathon, but have a pretty good idea of what it takes to complete one.   I would put people who help train runners,  helped support someone, Marathon volunteers and crowd support, and all the people who have attempted a Marathon, but had to drop out before completing it   Even without running the race,  this category of people know that a Marathon is no joke.  

And lastly, there is everyone else.   The 99% of people who have never run a Marathon and most likely never will.   The knowledge they have of such an event is minimal and most likely skewed radically in one direction or another.  From Marathons being "Impossible!"  to Marathons being "Super easy, just long."

I would put myself in the second category.  I have never run a full marathon but have helped my wife run several.   And have watched her train as I rode a bike along side her.  I have cheered her and many others on at various races along the way.  Even without completing such a challenge, I still feel a euphoric feeling after it is complete;  And help celebrate the monumental achievement.  I have Marched 25 miles in the Army twice.  It is the closest I have ever come to 26.2 miles of  constant running.   Our Road Marches  had  heavy rucks and weapon systems, but they also had 15 minute breaks and lunch along the way.   We never ran that distance, and the entire task took a full 8 hours.  It was a miserable ordeal. 

But how do you converse with the third group?  The people who have never run a Marathon?   How do you explain that the 26.2 miles is the absolute limit of human endurance.   A point in time where, without an food, water or rest, one could shut down, faint or even die!  Without proper training,  many people will not even be able to finish such a distance.   How can you explain to people the amount of effort it takes to complete such a goal.  Or why anyone would even attempt it.   It seems like madness!  Or stupidity.  Or both!

And so it goes that, for some,  Marathons have taken on the mystique of  Olympians.   A task so monumental, that only life-time athletes or Greek gods could complete it.   The very idea of attempting something so difficult would be a waste of time and effort.   And what is the point of such an exercise if you are never going to win it?

For others, it is a joke.  The word "Marathon" is used for watching television shows, study groups, or other activities that require more than the average attempt at endurance.  In other words:  A Marathon race is no different that a Gilligan's Island Marathon watch party.  Like any other race, just really, really long.  "Hitting the Wall." Is just an expression for them used to indicate they are bored and have reached their limits of focus.   Hijacking this expression  cheapens its meaning.   For hitting the wall in a Marathon means that you have exhausted all of the sugars in your legs and body.   You now have to rely on the last bits of ATP production.   Your legs cramp up,  your will is sapped, and your emotions come out in full display with no  Superego to keep things in check.  A scary moment for the uninitiated. 

So why would anyone ever attempt such a feat?   There are many reasons.  Possibly as many as all of the individuals who have ever run one.   Why climb Mt. Everest?   Why go Skydiving?   Why  explore the bottom of the ocean?   The easy answer is "because it is there. "  But the real reason is far more complicated than anyone who has ever completed a Marathon will ever want to articulate.   They understand that most people will never understand, so they do not bother explaining to them.  It is a journey of self that only the individual can attempt, achieve, and understand.   And even then,   understanding may not be achieved with only one attempt.   

And so it goes that with that long introduction,  I now have to explain the monumental achievement of  reaching the level of excellence that a podium position symbolizes.   Rising to the top three  finishers over all of the competition  is an achievement that  is almost impossible to describe in words.  What is it like to win the Triple Crown in Horse Racing?  What is it like to win the US open?  What is it like to Win a Medal in the Olympics?   It has taken Cheryl nine Marathons to get a Podium Finish.   With all of the uncontrolled variables that are thrown into the mix,   for one moment in time...  This time,  Cheryl has achieved the impossible. 

If you ask Cheryl why she would continue running after such a finish,  she will probably give a different answer each time it is asked, depending on the day and her mood.  But she continues anyway.   Therapy?  Health?   A feeling of purpose?    All legit reasons.   But she probably will say simply because she can...  Because it is there...    Because that is what she does now...  Because,  there is still a number two and number one slot out there that she does not own.   For running is a never ending mountain  to climb.   And every ledge is an accomplishment in its own right.  A faster time,  a different race,  perhaps even a longer distance in the future.  There is always something more to chase.   Another goal is always around the corner.  

She might also say that she doesn't know why.    The Specific reasons are lost  in the  larger flood that pulls her towards something in life.   And what is life actually meant for?  As we wander through it with no specific point or purpose, any point of reference might seem like a beacon in the darkness.  And with no other options or alternative reasons, why not follow what you can see in front of you.   None of us truly know the right path.   Only that we are on one...  Somehow.  Somewhere.  Even when we can not see it fully.     How we get to our destination is up to us in the long run.   And finding a path that helps you get there can be something you might want to hang on to.  

But who am I?   Having never run a Marathon myself, how can I possibly know what those other runners are thinking.   What I do know is that finishing in the top three finishers, after exhausting every drop of energy that your body has to offer, is a Great Achievement!    And having attempted eight  Marathons leading up to this means that this task a hard fought battle.  Sure, there was lots of help*, but in the end,  it was only Cheryl who could complete it.  A testament to the individual.   And to running your own race. 

*( Special Thanks to Mike Zakosek for running with  her and  helping her keep focus during the dark times....  Despite the crippling leg cramps at mile 26!)