Lessons from the Marathon

A few tidbits I've chewed on before, during, and after the marathon:

1. You do not have to be in good shape to run a marathon.

2. Training for a marathon does not necessarily whip you into great shape.

3. Mind over matter.

4. You can always go a little further than you think you can. But it's always best not to think about how far you've gone already.

5. Mind over matter.

6. If you hate running, the marathon is not for you. Find another "challenge".

7. Mind over matter.

8. Anyone can run a marathon. If I can do it, you can do it. If you want to do it, you CAN do it. The marathon is the great equalizer. People of all shapes, sizes, colors, and creeds run the marathon. Just as you pass someone who is in way better shape, you are left in the wake of someone who is 200 lbs. overweight.

9. But, not everyone does run a marathon. An estimated 0.1 and 2% of the U.S. population has run in a marathon. The estimate is probably closer to 0.1% as there is no method to track "repeat offenders", the frequent marathoners.

10. Running a marathon is nothing more than mind over matter...deciding you're going to do it and then doing it. Even when it doesn't feel good.