Making running fun…by making fun of it
I have a lot to be thankful for in 2023, both on and off the roads. With Thanksgiving around the corner (best of luck in dealing with your relatives), I figured I’d spend a blog post detailing why I’m thankful for running (and more) and sharing it with complete strangers like you. After all, gratitude helps us feel positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, and more. I can’t fit everything I’m thankful for into this post, so I chose six, in no particular order.
Like most children growing up, I never could’ve dreamed I’d be running marathons. I mean, I never thought I’d even be running, period. Like, who chooses to run for fun? But, thanks to my dad, I was introduced to the wonderful sport at just the right time in my life. It would take awhile to stick with it, but once I did, my relationship to sports—and life—changed forever.
Last Sunday, I ran the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC — my fifth marathon and first with a sub-three-hour goal. The stage was set for a fairytale ending. Yet, despite the stars aligning, I fell like a crashing meteor. So, what went wrong? Well, I’m not one to make excuses, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the role of one very important element. Here’s what happened…
As a straight male, I’m supposed to drool over fast cars, loud motorcycles, and anything else with an engine. But I’ve always gained more pleasure from joyful runs than joy rides. Here’s why I’d rather tie shoelaces than fasten a seatbelt.
With the Marine Corps Marathon rapidly approaching, I can’t help but feel anxious and fearful about reaching my sub 3 hour marathon training goal. Here’s how I cope.
Looking for a supportive running community? I traveled to Baltimore and experienced how Believe in the Run develops lifelong relationships among its members and empowers its running community to prosper.