Marathons are a gateway drug

This time last year, I was about one month into a marathon training plan. I was preparing for my first marathon, the Atlantic City Marathon. Prior to this experience, I had only raced in a 10 mile event and maybe one or two 5Ks for charities that I supported. But, for the most part, I just ran–and had been a runner since I was 13 years old. I didn’t compete. It was what I did to stay fit, and I really enjoyed the peace and fulfillment of a good run.

As we grow older, we may begin to take the things we love for granted, not give them as much thought or effort as we once did. I suppose I was getting to that point with my running – and exercise in general. It was getting a little bit, well, stale. I had always wanted to run a marathon, and it seemed like the time was perfect. Training for a marathon breathed new life into my running. I felt that each run had a purpose, as did my cross training. I was excited to get up early and push my body beyond perceived limits. And, better yet, I had great motivation for doing so. I wasn’t just exercising, I was training. I hadn’t trained since I rowed crew in high school, and I missed it! At the time, I had thought I would just do one marathon. Yes, that was all. I could do one and then put it away and go back to my previous routine. Well, that was the big lie. That first marathon turned out to be the gateway “drug” into the world of endurance sports.

The day after the Atlantic City Marathon, I went online to research upcoming marathons. We selected the Ocean Drive Marathon, March 30, 2009. The timing was perfect. I figured I would try to do two marathons a year.

Yes, that’s all I needed. Just two a year, what’s wrong with that? I wasn’t addicted. I could stop at any time.

Well, the Ocean Drive Marathon was a great success. The course was a beautiful and scenic point to point run, that meandered along the beach, the bay and through residential areas. I felt the best I’ve ever felt running, and I qualified for the Boston Marathon, with a time of 3 hours and 41 minutes (I needed a 3 hour and 45 minute qualifying time for my age). Another great surprise was that I managed to get 2nd place in my age group. The cherry on top? I was the 9th place female finisher. Wow – who would have thought that? To say I was surprised would be a serious understatement. Well, this experience and the endorphins made it hard to stop.

John, my husband, was also getting hooked. But, he made a move in a somewhat different direction. He was on the endurance high, but one sport just wasn’t enough for him. He was going multisport.

He signed up for the May 9, 2009 Jerseyman half ironman, 70.3 miles, including a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run. At the time, I thought he was crazy. Swim 1.2 miles? Surely I would drown first. But, as with all gateway drugs, the marathon experience encouraged me to take another step. And, after watching the Jerseyman, I knew I was going to try a tri. Just one, right? That was all I needed. Yeah, sure. After completing my first triathlon in May, I’ve since done five others, and I’m signed up for three more by the end of this year’s season, including a half ironman on October 4. And, the swim? Well, let’s just say after John convinced me to participate in the Atlantic City Bridge to Bridge 5K swim (3.1 miles), I’m no longer afraid of drowning.

I’m in the throes of a full blown endurance sport addiction. And, I’m looking for the next fix, such as the Lake Placid Ironman in 2010. 140.6 miles of raw endurance. Hoo-wee! Can’t wait. And, of course, I’m just doing this one ironman. It’s just one race, right? Yeah, sure. After that, I’m going to return to more sensible pursuits–maybe an ultra marathon or something. (John is running the VT50 in September; no doubt that event will have its effect on me.)

Luckily, this addiction is one that is keeping me healthy. I’ve never felt better, or looked forward more to life each day, each moment. I like knowing that my body is capable of engaging in these acts of strength and endurance. I like knowing that more is yet to come.

And, hey, what’s better than a sport where my big legs are actually an asset? Skinny thighs won’t help me climb those hills. Sure, not every day of training is a fabulous, but I never regret getting out on my bike or going for a swim. And, I certainly never regret running, feeling my legs work with a perfection achieved from thousands of years of evolution. What a rush! Our bodies are truly wondrous, and I’ve been blessed with the ability to use mine in a way that makes me happy.

While I’ve moved into multisport events, I haven’t forgotten my initial experiences with the marathon. After the tri season ends this year, I’ll be running the Philadelphia Marathon in November, 2009. And, in April 2010, I hope to toe the line at the Boston Marathon. And, who knows what other events we’ll find between now and then? I’ve got to feed the addiction, after all.

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