What I (Re) Learned at the Marine Corp Marathon

Last week I completed the Marine Corp Marathon.  Even though it was the 15th marathon I’ve participated in, it felt more like my first.  Due to several precautionary cardiac procedures I needed over the past three years, I hadn’t done a full marathon since early 2015.    I had valve replacement surgery in late 2015 then struggled through a few half marathons.  Late in 2018, I was fitted for an ICD to manage a low heart rate and potential ventricular tachycardia.    Amazingly, after getting the ICD, my running and overall endurance vastly improved.  I ran my best 5K since I was in my 40’s (I’m 54)  and I ran two half marathons that were much better than those I’ve run over the past few years.  So, it seemed like the right time to return to my favorite distance: 26.2 miles

Re-entering marathon world had the same inspiring effect it had on me when I did my first one back in 2008.  And as so often happens with running, I experienced wonderful learning that translates not just to running, but to so many other domains of life:

• There is true joy in being a beginner:  Perhaps the most exciting thing about a first marathon is that question on the table: Can I do this?  While it can be hard getting to the starting line - indeed, it takes motivation and discipline - the bigger question is: Will I get to the finish line?  That mystery is unsolvable with the exception of one source:  You.  
• You never have to look far for inspiration:  Since I work in the nonprofit field, every day I am newly inspired by the creativity, resourcefulness and generosity of the people I meet.  It’s pretty similar when you’re on a marathon course - front, middle or back of the pack.  You encounter people that inspire you whether it’s due to their sheer will, courage or physical capability.
• We are as powerful, strong and iron-willed as we believe we are:  When training for these events, I’m consistently amazed at how our mind works.   If you tell yourself today is the day for a 15 mile run, your body and mind responds with the strength and will to run 15.  But if you’re pulling back and tell yourself it’s 5 miles today, both mind and body will act in accordance and question itself once you go beyond that 5.  If I was a neurologist I’d have more to say about this.  I’m not so I’ll just leave it there...
• Trust your intuition:  When I was at my best with running marathons, I consistently culminated training with a 20 or even 22 mile run.  That worked for me.   To train for Marine Corp, I used an app which had me train to a 15 mile max long run.  Something in me kept saying “No, go 20” but I didn’t listen.  Sure enough 16 miles in, I was toast and only managed to eke out another few miles of running.    Not the apps fault.  I should have gone with my intuition. 

And finally…..
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• Never, never, never give up.  What Winston Churchill said so many years ago still holds today.  I’ve spared you the longer narrative of what made this race particularly challenging.  I even considered making this my first DNF (did not finish) race.  I didn’t and I’m so grateful for that.   Never, ever, ever give up.  It’s just that simple.