During a recent conversation with my friend, I explained that my Marathon training was starting on August 1st in preparation of my first Marathon. His quizzical response was “But why?”.
Inside I chuckled a bit, because this is not a response I would have gotten from any of my friends in the Run Club. I’ve heard similar responses, one of the best I heard was “Don’t you know God gave us the intellect to invent cars, buses and motorcycles! You don’t have to run anymore”. All true, Americans really don’t “have” to run anymore. So why do people run 26.2 miles? Why do people run at all? Why am I taking on the Marathon?
The simple answer is, because I can!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude and recognize my blessings that after 3 Combat Tours to Iraq (including the 2003 initial invasion), I was never injured. I served for 12 years on Jump Status and after +70 static-line jumps (T-10C/D) I never sustained a serious injury. After hours upon hours or running, rucking, pushups and pullups my body is still capable of running. I’m very blessed.
My situation is unique, my physical condition at 41yrs old is much different than my friends who did +20yrs of service. They are all “broken” and can no longer physically run. They sacrificed their bodies for our country. More specifically they sacrificed their bodies to stay alive, to keep their friends alive, to be fit for combat. My friends are battling cancer, have fused spines, rebuilt knees, hip replacements, broken and rebuilt ankles, neck injuries and balance problems from explosive concussions.
I will complete the Marathon simply because I can. God has blessed me with this fully functioning body, not completely free from pain, but it’s tolerable. I run because my friends cannot. I run to give hope and motivation to anyone reading this that it’s possible. Even in your 40’s and beyond.
Running is Natural
To run is a natural instinct. Just watch the natural progression of the human child as they transition from crawling to walking. Once a toddler can walk, they start running as soon as possible! Running is a natural, instinctual progression. Our bodies are designed to run, our spirit wants to feel the wind in our face, our instinct is to run.
Watch any toddler who has discovered the ability to run. They run everywhere! They run through the airport, they run through a parking lot, they run through the house, they run down the dock, they run everywhere! At some point an adult will stop them, encourage them not to run, condition them to walk or just sit.
When you were 8yrs old and got a new pair of shoes, did you naturally try to run in them? See if they made you faster or if you could jump higher? I propose that running is natural to the human condition. It’s instinctual.
My Friends and the Community
This running community builds camaraderie. My friends are incredible runners, each of them pursuing wellness through running. Running is a unifying sport that brings people of all backgrounds together. I enjoy seeing my friends every Wednesday evening for our 5K. I’m looking forward to completing the Tuna200 relay run with my friends. The running community here in North Carolina is amazing and I’m happy to be a part of it.
When it comes to my community, I really enjoy helping people achieve success. That can either be in their careers, personal lives or within running and sport. Why would I run a Marathon? To help people on their journey to finding running success and overcoming obstacles that may seem undoable.
An Uncommon Shared Experience
Less than 1% of the U.S. Population has completed a Marathon. This is one statistic I want to be a part of. Check out this article on Livestrong.org covering 126 Running Statistics.
The only way to be a “Marathoner” is to put in the work. There are no short cuts, no easy path, no pill or therapy that will help you complete a Marathon. You must put in the work. Regardless of your background, your current situation in life, money or any other metric. We must all put in the work. Completing a Marathon is a symbol of dedication, of goal setting and achievement. It’s a result of discipline and dedication.
I want to be a part of the 1% of Americans that have completed a Marathon. I want another tattoo focused on running.
Being Capable and Ready
When I am able to run +10 miles at a time, I feel strong and that feels good. I sleep better at night and I’m more capable at everything from walking up stairs to swimming, shooting and doing my job.
I want to be capable to protect and preserve life should the situation arise. That could be running to a car wreck and providing first aid to fighting off a would be attacker in a parking lot or greenway. To be strong, capable and ready is something I feel is a natural state of being for a husband and father. I should be able to protect my wife and kids at all time.
Why do you run?
I’d love to see your responses in the comments.