7 Reasons I'm Running a Marathon: #3 - For the fun of it!

I am running my first marathon on Saturday, November 3rd. So I will blog all week about seven reasons why I'm running a marathon.

#3 - For the Fun of It!


Here's another thing I thought I'd never say, "I'm running a marathon because it will be fun".  It's right up there with, "I'm going for a short six mile run."  But I have come to love race day and everything that goes with it.

I love the moments right before the race starts.  The nerves, the anticipation, the excitement, the uncertainty.  Talking to veteran runners and novice ones alike.  I love the kinship you have with fellow runners, almost entirely strangers but bonded by a common goal.

I love the exuberance of the volunteers that work the races and the people who watch them.  They always keep me encouraged.  And I love running races that book bands to play along the race route as well.  Just one more reason to stay pumped for running!

I love the opportunity to challenge myself, to push myself physically and see how my body will respond to adversity.  In every race, there is a moment in which your resolve will be tested.  These are the moments that make crossing the finish line that much sweeter.

I love the opportunity to go inside myself. My long runs have also become opportunities to delve into deep thought. I am never more creative than during a long run. I look forward to having this time to think!

I love the opportunity to be inspired.  I'll never forget my first 10k race. In this race, I had the opportunity to run along side a woman who was 8+ months pregnant, a man with two prosthetic legs and another man who had to be 90 years old.  Needless to say, any excuses I thought I had for not finishing were rendered null and void. I have been inspired by dozens of my fellow runners in all the races I have run.

The more races I run, I more I enjoy the entire process.  Yes, running the race is FUN!!