Some run marathons to win. Some run them to beat their pace record. Some run them just to say that they did it. Regardless of their reasons, anyone who completes a marathon deserves kudos for being inspiring.
When watching all of the news about the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon yesterday, I felt a strong need to get back to a race. I won't be doing a marathon, as I'm not marathon material. Well... let me correct that by saying, there's no way I could run a marathon, but perhaps one day I'll walk one.
I walked two half-marathons in 2010 - the first in June near Boston with a couple co-workers, and the second in October in Newport, Rhode Island on my own (see linked blog posts). Both were incredible experiences that made me feel so great about myself and others participating in the races. You feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself.
Training for a half-marathon does wonders for your health. The consistent walking (or running or jogging) will certainly help you lose weight. It's good for your cardiovascular system, and your energy and mood definitely is lifted. After my second half-marathon, I started running and participated in a local 5K in Bridgewater. Regrettably, I didn't listen to my body and ran through some intense shin pain. After seeing an orthopedic surgeon, I was told I should avoid ever running again. That's easy for me to cope with as I hate running! But I love brisk walking with a passion. I've been inconsistent about walking since then - only walking about 3-4 miles once a month.
But I've wanted to get back in the game over the last few months. I just bought new sneakers a couple weeks ago, and the seed was planted for a return to a half-marathon in the fall, but I wasn't fully committed to it - not quite yet.
I am inspired by those who ran the Boston Marathon. By the people who supported the runners. By those first responders to the scene after the bombings. By the doctors and medical personnel treating all of those impacted. By the Boston Police in their amazing response. By counselors who are helping people cope with the trauma. And by folks who are showing their support by dedicating their miles run and walked on this "Run for Boston" site started by a woman named Becca Obergefell (props to her for starting it). I just contributed four miles this morning to the site.
Last night, I received all the motivation I needed to commit to a half-marathon. I mean, what more motivation could you possibly need than the stories of human goodness coming out of the Boston Marathon?
So I registered for the Maine Half-Marathon in Portland, Maine set for Sunday, October 6, 2013. I chose this race because it's very walker-friendly and gives me a chance to see the city of Portland for the first time. It also gives me a couple months to ease into a consistent walking routine, and then nearly three months to fully train for the half. Once I register for a race, I am COMMITTED. So I knew I needed to register for the Maine Half-Marathon last night. Every time I go for a walk, I'll be thinking about the people of the Boston Marathon. And I'll be dedicating my walk in the Maine Half-Marathon to all of those inspiring people.
It's more than just a race. It's a belief in humanity and the inherent goodness of people.
Oh, one more thing. I love Boston.
