The Last Six Miles

So at dinner tonight, my friends were asking me about my reasons for running a marathon and they asked me what were the first feelings I feel when I finish a marathon. I told them that you are usually in a lot of pain by the time you cross the finish line, and the first feeling is immense relief. You are just SO happy that you are done with it that you are just beside yourself that it is finally all over. So then my friend asked, then why do you do it then? I found myself hesitating before answering, and I realized it's so much harder to explain out loud. You can't even begin to explain the feeling of accomplishment that comes over you after you realize that wow you did it! You ran for 26.2 miles straight and you are still alive.

So coincidentally, I was reading my new issue of Runner's World (which by the way I highly recommend if you love running!) on the way home after this conversation and there was an article in there titled "The End" by Peter Sagal. I think Peter describes my reason for running marathons perfectly!

In this article, Peter also questions why we as marathoners continue to run marathons even though we know how much the last six miles hurt. Sure the marathon training guide takes you up to 20 miles, and it's tough no doubt but it doesn't seem bad. It is the last six miles that make all of the difference. Once you pass 20 miles, your body is like a home appliance that just passed the deadline on its warranty and is starting to fall apart.

Peter states, "What I have found is that the last six miles separate distance runners from those who are merely obsessive or have a high tolerance for boredom. They are crucible from which come molten, freshly recast marathoners, and each one of those miles is a distinct trial to conquer, and reason to train, and reason to boast, and as such, in truth, I love them, because though you'll never know exactly why you do them, it's over those last six miles that you finally find out if you can."

When I read that, I couldn't help but smile because that is exactly why I run marathons. So thank you Peter for phrasing that just so eloquently.

I am hoping that in three weeks, when it's my turn to face those last six miles, I will remember Peter's words and look those six miles in the face and say, BRING IT! (Obviously I am not as eloquent as Peter is :) )