Please understand that when you are running for over two hours you have a lot of time to think, and sometimes you can even think about things other than where you're going to get that next gasp of oxygen. So while running that 13.14 (yes we DO measure by hundredths) I began to ponder: "Is there any affinity between marathoning and marriage?"
Here are some similarities that I found:
Mindset: The mindset that divorce is not an option, without this commitment the ability to see solutions to marriage's boiling points may well be overlooked simply because one eye was too busy examining exit strategies. The same applies to marathoning, once you make a commitment to a marathon quitting is not an option. Through the trials and tribulations that come with four months of intense training you must stay focused on overcoming the obstacles that are sure to come your way.
Affection: Ya just gotta love your spouse, there is no way around that. You have to love the good, the bad and the in between. The same goes for running. Sometimes the last thing in the world you want to do is go out into the heat, the cold, the rain, the snow and run double digit mileage. Love of our spouses make us persist. Love of our sport makes us lace up and get out there.
Respect: Thanks to Aretha,
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Just as you must respect, hold in esteem and honor your spouse, a marathoner must also respect what he/she is attempting to accomplish. 26.2 miles is tough regardless of how good the conditions are.
Respect: R-E-S-P-E-C-T , I'll say it again, not only because it is important but also I simply cannot think of another "R" word that fits.
Integrity: Without which nothing is possible. You have to be honest, honest with your spouse, and honest with yourself. When training for a marathon, you can write any mileage in that log, if you don't run it your lack of honesty will show on race day.
Acquiescence: A husband and wife must be patient with each other recognizing that neither are perfect, neither will always do what the other wants or thinks they should be doing or saying. Marathoners must be patient with themselves recognizing that their bodies, minds and lungs will take time to condition. That sometimes their bodies, minds and lungs will not always do what is expected of them, and yes we sometimes leave the toilet seat up.
Generosity: Giving yourself to your spouse, helping each other become better people, being there when you're needed, knowing that you can be counted on. Marathoners are some of the finest and most caring people in the world, always ready to share their experience and knowledge. You will never see a marathoner pass a downed runner without stopping to help.
Endurance: Marriage is not always a stroll in the park. It takes energy and persistence to keep a marriage strong, physical, mental and emotional energy. A good marriage is fed by both partners and only when proper nutrition is provided will it have the energy to succeed. Marathoners must take in physical, mental and emotional energy also. We not only need glucose to fuel our muscles but we must maintain mental energy to persist through the hundreds of miles of training. On the day of the marathon the greatest asset a marathoner can have is a body with no more to give but a mind that refuses to acknowledge it.
I'm not sure that I have always scored the highest in all these areas but I continue to strive to improve, to be a better husband and a better runner
On January 15th, 1972 at 10:30 in the morning, Susan and I were married in Chicago. It was a beautiful winter day. The sun was shining there was not a cloud in the sky.....the wind chill was 50* below zero! We shall never forget that day.Happy Anniversary Susan!
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