“The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can’t dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon.” -Fred Lebow
Last year, one of my goals was to run a marathon. At the beginning of the year, admittedly, I thought running 26.2 miles was insane. So I signed up and trained for a half marathon because I thought 13 miles was much more reasonable. I ran the Key West Half Marathon (you literally run around the island – it’s awesome!), then the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon. After finishing two halves, I guess I officially caught the running bug and felt inspired to try a full. Last November, I crossed the finish line on my first 26.2 mile race, NYC Marathon.
Drinking from a coconut in Key West
There were times when I thought, “what in the heck was I thinking?!” Training lasted for 6 months during the hottest part of summer in Florida. It was not easy. It involved going to bed early on Friday nights to get up even earlier for long distance runs on Saturday morning. Running on lonely hotel treadmills when I traveled wasn’t fun. A 4:00 am alarm became a routine several times a week. As painful as it was to drag myself out of the comfort of my bed, the reward was worth the effort. Starting the day seeing stars, watching the sunrise, and spending time with my running group always made my running days the best of the week. I was also fund raising to run with Fred’s Team, and was touched by the kindness, generosity and support of friends and family who helped me generate over $3500 in donations for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
I must have caught the “running bug” because I’ll be running my 2nd marathon at the end of this month … The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
Crossing the finish line last November, I learned something valuable about myself … I could accomplish anything if I planned and worked for it. And that lesson is a bucket list worthy goal.
So, if you want to take the word “can’t” out of your vocabulary, then I highly recommend adding a marathon to your bucket list! You don’t have to be an athlete, anyone can finish as long as they train.
For motivation, here’s 26 reasons for running 26 miles.
For inspiration, here’s an article I wrote for CheapOair recommending 5 races worth traveling for.
-Rachelle
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We just ran the Victoria Marathon yesterday! It was Jeff’s first (it still hurts) and Jen’s third. It is part of a check off our bucketlist – the goal is to run one on every continent. Next up, the Athen’s Marathon!
That’s awesome! I bet Victoria has some beautiful scenery along those 26.2 miles. Tell Jeff I said congrats on his first! I remember NYC hurting for a week afterward. I wobbled around and walked funny. How many continents have you done so far? There’s a girl in my running group who ran Athens and loved it. Good luck and keep in touch!
Wow, congratulations on completing your first marathon. Good luck in DC.
Thanks! =)
Congrats.. Quite an accomplishment! I caught the running bug and did the Wine & Dine half relay with my wife at Disney last week. I look forward to doing the full version next year, if my ankle ever heals from this one!
How was the Wine & Dine? What’s the medal look like? I love good “runner’s” bling. =)
Hope your ankle feels better soon!
Congrats! The NYC Marathon is super tough to get into! I signed up for the Big Sur half-marathon this year too! This will be my first running event ever. Considering I don’t like to run, I’ll be happy to check this off my list once it’s over. Good luck in DC!
Big Sur looks amazing! If you don’t like to run, at least you’ll have really beautiful landscapes to look at! Good luck and let me know when you have that Big Sur medal around your neck. =)
Congrats. My bucket list sprang a leak on my way to the marathon.
I LOVED your history of the Marathon. From here on out, I’m calling it Mary’s Thong. LOL! Of course you get credit! 13.1 miles is nothing to sneeze at … it’s a long way! Congrats. =)
Running a half marathon has been on my New Year’s Resolutions for two years running. Both years I’ve gone as far as 14k and shin splints have put an end to that particular ambition.
It’s an addictive pursuit and way to go on finishing your first full length marathon. Someday I may just do the same, haha