You Ran How Far?
I try to refrain from talking about running with non-runners unless I’m asked. Yesterday, however, I found myself in a few situations during and after my 22-mile run where I told a someone how far I had run, and then got an interesting reaction.
First, when I stopped for water at Mile 5, the owner of the gas station asked me how far I was going. When I answered, “22 miles”, he had a look of shock, then disbelief, until I told him that I was training for the Boston Marathon. I got the same reaction when I stopped at a grocery store at Mile 10 for more water. I saw a friend who was also curious as to how far I was running, and when I told him, I got the same strange reaction.
Finally, my run ended at a school where my son was playing a basketball game……or so I thought he was…I later found out he was sick and didn’t play. When I saw one of my wife’s co-worker’s, Sue, at the game, she suggested that I just run home (6 more miles) since I didn’t have a ride (my wife was going to drive me home, but she never showed up). I told Sue that I had just got done running 22 miles and that 6 more would be a bit much. And for a third time I got one of those “you are crazy” looks!
These reactions lead me to believe that these long training runs may be borderline insane. To us marathon runners, 20+ mile runs don’t seem all that crazy, but maybe we are a bit stranger than we think we are.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoy these long runs and they tend to be physical and mental journeys. And since this is likely going to be my last marathon, I am trying to appreciate every step of the way.
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Posted by Chris on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
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4 Comments: :
You Ran How Far?
February 24th, 2008 7:06 pm
luluorange says:
For most people, running itself (regardless how many miles) is kind of “crazy”. That is the reaction from most of my non-runner friends, family and co-workers. Regardless what they say, I have secret smile on my face that only a runner would understand.
I cherish my running time. Good luck with Boston.
February 24th, 2008 7:40 pm
andreabona says:
i too often think it’s a crazy endeavor. especially given that at some point the physiological benefits are diminishing and possibly reversed.
in any event, i too enjoy my long runs. after i warm up mentally & physically i really like the time i spend.
good luck in boston! hope all we sweat365 people can meet up while there!
February 24th, 2008 8:11 pm
Brad Hefta-Gaub says:
I remember the last really long run I did (in prep for the Las Vegas marathon) I ran 24 miles, and had run out of water at about mile 18… (Thanks to Michelle who drank a bunch of my water during the first 12 miles!) Anyway, I made it to the finish of my run, where my car was parked, and there was a grocery store, I walked into the store and almost immediately began cramping up in my calves… I grabbed some Vitamin Water and started chugging it, but as I was standing in line waiting to pay I was in so much pain I had to sit down… the Clerk was ready to call 911… I assured them that I would be ok once the water started getting into my system… “I just ran 24 miles”… “Oh, we don’t need to call 911, we need to call the guys in the white coats for you!”
February 24th, 2008 8:37 pm
kip says:
good luck at boston.