Post-Election Thoughts

I have run 11 marathons, 19 half marathons, and a bunch of other shorter distances for a total of 58 races since 2003. Distance running teaches a person many lessons. In fact, every race I’ve done has taught me a unique lesson.

Long distance races have taught me about the long view. A marathon isn’t just about race day and going on a nice 26.2-mile run. It’s about the entire training schedule over several months. It’s about bundling up in layers and a hat and gloves when it’s 20 degrees outside because you need to do your training run in January for a race in March. If you wait for the perfect weather, you’ll always be making excuses.

As you train, you start with short distances and work your way up. It is not wise to push yourself too much as you can get injured, but you do need to push yourself to improve and go a farther distance each week. There are going to be crappy days where the training run is just horrible. But tomorrow comes and you get out there, put on your running shoes, and try again. Marathons push you to your limits. When you are in the wall, everything hurts, and you don’t think clearly. But you put one foot in front of the other. And you keep doing that. Because when you get through the wall, you feel so very alive.

Running is often thought to be a solitary sport. But the reality is that when you are out there on race day, you strike conversations with people. Yes, you are all racing, but really you are racing against yourself. You are seeing how well you can do. And so is everyone else. So you help…