Why run 26.2 miles?

That is a very good question, with a million possible answers depending on who you ask.  Here are my reasons for running a marathon.

I wrote down “finish a marathon” on my bucket list as one of those far-fetched things that only crazy cool people do.  Now I know that preparing for a marathon has just a long as long of a “to be” list as a “to do” list.  It’s said that running is 80% mental and I absolutely believe it.  Among the “to be” attributes you need to have are determination, discipline to be consistent in your training, and humility (you really can’t care about wiping your nose at a busy intersection, let alone the other mental breakdown that comes before you are built back up).

With a few half marathons and other races under my belt I was qualified to begin training.  Last year I turned 26 years old (I’m now closer to 30 than 20 – weird).  So for every mile I run on race day will think of where I was at that age and which people and experiences were influential in my life.

I find that all other facets in my life come easier when I put some focus on my health.  Also, I have a great schedule for getting all my runs in.  What better time to achieve the honor of finishing a marathon than the present?  Here are a few other reasons why I’m running a marathon:

• Long runs can be a conduit for meditation that just grinding out 30 minutes of forced exercise rarely does
• The running community rocks.  Seriously.  The more I get involved the more fun it is.  It is such a diverse group of people and you have endless things to talk about (ooh, tell me more about chafing)
• Bragging rights
• I get to participate in the same events as professionals (Olympic athletes, etc.) without having to be on the same level
• It’s fun to look forward to and plan for such a big event.  As my dad always says, “anticipation if half the fun!”
• It makes me very in tune with my body
• As John Hanc, running writer said: "I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."