A Gray Area

the interweblog of Jesse Gray

Marathon, Part Deux

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Well, another year has gone by, and I have another marathon under my belt. I decided since last year was such a blast, why not have another go at running Chicago. It's known as one of the fastest marathon courses around (because it's flat), and the weather is usually perfect for long-distance running. Usually.

Last year, the temperature at the beginning was around 30 degrees. This year - 66. By the time I finished, it had reached the low to mid 80's. Great weather for sightseeing... terrible weather for punishing your body by running 26.2 miles. 

I didn't finish in nearly the time I intended. I ran it in 4 hrs 19 min last year, and this year I slowed to 4 hrs 28 min. Not exactly the kind of improvement you like to see after training for a solid 8 months. 

But, as I have to keep reminding myself - your worst day running a Chicago marathon is still one of the greatest days of your life.&nb sp;

I have been told all too often that people like me are crazy for wanting to do something as ridiculous as running a marathon. Believe me, I've thought it plenty of times getting up to run at 4:30am on a Saturday to beat the summer heat. But, there's just something about the experience of running one that is difficult to explain. 

My plan for the foreseeable future is to run a few half marathons and 10k's to stay in shape. I may even start training for a short triathlon. But, having already done a couple of half-marathons, I can tell you, it just isn't the same as it's more famous big brother. 
If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon. 
I couldn't agree more. 

Maybe after a few months, I'll decide to undertake training for another one. But, for now, I'm thankful to God for giving me legs to run, a heart that can beat, and even those mind-numbingly painful cramps I got at mile 15 this year. He is good. In all things.