I netflix'd "Spirit of the Marathon" last week and finally had the chance to watch it tonight. I knew it was going to be good when I turned to Dave with tears threatening to fall no less than 3 minutes into it. Nothing huge or miraculous happened; some guy simply said something like, "Running a marathon will change your life. You will absolutely be a different person after the marathon than you were before". BAM! Cue emotionally over-the-top overreaction. 'Grab some Puffs you little ninny!' The movie followed several people training for the Chicago Marathon (running gods/goddesses AND everyday people). I couldn't help but grimace during the parts where the runners are struggling through their 18 and 20 mile runs, thinking (me, not them), "Dammit dammit dammit. I shoulda done that! I am so screwed." What is it they say about hindsight...?! I was really impressed with the training program featured in the movie. It was a huge organized group that got together for long runs (if not other weekly training runs) and was broken down into pace groups. I think it was a 3 or 4 month long program. I had no idea that things like that (apart from TNT) existed in cities. That would be so fun, not to mention extremely helpful for someone like me with close to zero self discipline. Hmm. Maybe next time.
Today at work the marathon kept popping into my head; much more than normal. Every time I started to think about it, small knots would form in my stomach and I'd feel a little queasy. Good stuff. I can't wait to see how that intensifies by Saturday or Sunday. Yeesh.
Some fun facts about the Marine Corps Marathon:
*It's the largest race in the world that does not have cash prizes for the winners.
*Nickname: The People's Marathon
*4th largest marathon in US, 8th largest in world
*Date of first MCM: November 7, 1976
*Size of first MCM: 1,175 runners (by comparison NYC had 123 runners for it's first marathon in 1970)
*The race is now limited to 30,000 runners
That's it for now. Gotta hit the hay. We're leaving here tomorrow night after work to drive to D.C. G'night!
13 comments:
Have a good trip!!
btw - There are several marathon (and half marathon) training programs around the twin cities. I know of one at the gym I belong to, one at the LRS, and there are some run clubs that sponsor them. Look around and I am sure you could find something similar. I think they cost about $100-$200.
I assume you will running in Nikes, but if you happen to purchase any Brooks MCM clothes you may want to check this out...
http://talk.brooksrunning.com/2008/10/06/the-brooks-vip-porta-potty/
Sounds interesting!
Hi! I came over from Aron's blog. Just wanted to wish you luck this weekend. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
good luck this weekend!!
Good luck! I am looking forward to hearing about how it goes :)
Hey. Just wanted to wish you good luck this weekend! I'm uber-jealous of you doing this marathon!
Sent over from aron's blog. Good luck this weekend, and I hope your enjoy your first marathon!
Good luck! I can't wait to hear how it goes! :-)
wooooo hoooooo. :D let me know how it goes. paul and i will be singing 'eye of the tiger' from tally for you.
Good Luck, Good Luck!!
Hope everything went well!! Can't wait to read your race report!! : )
so, when do we get to hear your story???
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