It's hard to believe but the NYC Marathon is now only a week away! My prior post was so well received that I had to add more comments that I have been told while training. So without further ado here are more things that definitely should NOT be said to someone running in a marathon. They are:
Comment: "Do you need a ride?"
Response: I was asked this question when I was about 8 miles away from my home by someone who knew I was training for the NYC Marathon. Did they not see that I was in full running gear, exercising on purpose? No, I do not need a ride, but maybe you could have offered me a bottle of water!
Comment: "Do you know how to get to .............?"
Response: This has happened to me multiple times. I just love it when people stop their vehicle in the middle of the road to ask me for directions. One time it was actually while I was running in the pouring rain. Do I look like a map? Don’t you have navigation on your phone? Can you not interrupt my workout, please!
Comment: "Did you hear about that guy who died running a marathon? Do you think you are up to it?"
Response: I thank you for your concern. Sure, there are occasional unfortunate incidences involved in any sport. But what about the hundreds of thousands of people whose health has been improved by running and other forms of exercise? I think there is a greater risk of death today to individuals who choose not to do any type of activity. That said, I will take my chances on running.
Comment: "Aren't you worried about having a heart attack? That happens a lot during marathons you know."
Response: Studies show that about 1 in 200,000 people suffer cardiac arrest while running. I have a strong heart. I will be fine. Again, thanks for your concern.
Comment: "Aren't you bored when you run?"
Response: Well of course I am bored when I run endless miles. It is mind numbing. But there are also beautiful things to see and discover while running. And, I have listened to many, many great books during these runs. That said, being that I am a librarian, I wonder if all my hours running would be considered a tax write off?
Comment:"Aren't you concerned about your safety? So many terrible things have been happening in public spaces."
Response: While there is no guarantee of anything in life I feel that every security measure necessary is being taken to ensure the safety of all the runners. The NYC Marathon works in close collaboration with the NYPD and federal, state and city partners to make sure this happens.
Comment: "The long range forecast is predicting rain. Are you still going to run?"
Response: Sadly rain is a possibility. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it doesn't. It would stink for both the runners and all our fans. Unfortunately there is nothing any of us can do to change the weather. And, in answer to your question, yes, I am still going to be running if it rains.
Comment: "You don’t look like a runner."
Response: Thanks for that. Yes, I know I don’t look like a gazelle. But being skinny with muscular quads and calves is not a requirement to be a runner. We come in all shapes and sizes.
Comment: "Why are you finishing so many hours after the winning runners?"
Response: Firstly, the winning runners are incredibly fast. I am sure I have mentioned how slow I am. The winners can run 2 miles in the time it takes me to run 1. Secondly, the elite runners are starting hours before me. My start time is not until 11:00 am. By the time I start my run the winners are back in their hotel room enjoying a post race massage.
Comment:"I ran a 6.2 marathon once. How long is the marathon you are running?"
Response: I know I addressed this in my prior posting but I CONTINUALLY get this comment. A marathon is ALWAYS 26.2 miles. Kudos for your running 6.2 miles (or a 10K race as it is most often called) but it is NOT a marathon. A marathon is 26.2 long, hard miles!
Comment: "Are you really going to do this?"
Response: Again, I know I wrote something similar in my last blog post but I am asked this question again and again. Yes, insanely, I am choosing to do this. I trained for many months. I woke up crazy early during the summer to avoid the heat. I ran through all kinds of weather. I am ready. No matter how slow I may run, there is virtually nothing that is going to stop me from crossing the finish line.
If anyone would like to follow my progress on November 4th download the NYC Marathon app or come in person and cheer me on. I am runner #64307.
The next time you hear from me I will be a marathoner!
