Why would you want to run that far? If you decide to run a marathon be prepared to answer this question…a lot. Loved ones, friends, and coworkers will question your sanity when they learn about your intentions to run 26.2 miles. Additionally, there might come a time when you are exhausted and faced with a decision: Do I quit so the pain is gone? Or do I keep moving forward? This is when you need to understand your why..
I consider myself a decent runner. I run to keep in shape. I run to be prepared to hunt in the mountains. I run to eliminate stress after work. My training improves when I sign up for a race. As a result I periodically run organized 5Ks, 10Ks, and 12 mile trail runs.
During the summer of 2014 my old college wrestling coach (Jake) rode his bike 3000 mile across the United States in an event called RAAM. I followed his progress online. He was interviewed after the race. His words “The respect you have for yourself to say holy cow I was down and out and somehow I hung in there and made it to the end of the day” were permanently imprinted in my mind. The question “What can I accomplish?” lingered in my head.
Then in the summer of 2016 I tracked professional bow hunter Cameron Hanes as he competed in the Bighorn 200. A foot race that covers 206 miles and has 86,000 feet of elevation change. I have always admired Cameron and use him as motivation to stay in shape for hunting season. When Cameron finished I thought “if he can finish 200 miles in the mountains, I can run 26 miles on flat ground.”
The result: “Finish the Lincoln Marathon on May 7th” became one of my goals in 2017.
Training started in January. Three shorter runs during the week. A long run on the weekend. I quickly realized the time commitment to properly train for a marathon. Travel for work, other priorities, and turkey season competed for my time. Some weeks I completed all my miles, others I did not.
Race day drew near and my longest run was 20 miles. I felt confident, but realistic. I knew I would finish but it was going to be work.
May 7th arrived and the atmosphere of The Lincoln Marathon was unbelievable. Athletes of all shapes and sizes traveled from around the world to compete in the half or full marathon. During the first 13 miles you can expect to see Elvis, rock bands, streets lined with friends, and rowdy party goers cheering you on.
I cruised the first 13 miles. I paid attention to my pace, pushed fluids, and when I passed the turnoff for the half marathoners I was averaging an 8:30/mile pace and feeling good.
The second half of the marathon is different. The fans are sparse and the excitement drastically dies down. The last 13.1 miles is an out and back. When I neared the turnaround I was slowing down but still had a good pace going. I thought only six and a half miles left, you got this.
Then I hit mile 23. My body wanted to shut down. I walked through an aid station and knew I was in trouble. Doubt started to creep into my mind. Quitting became an option. I had to get my mind right. Luckily before I started the race I set the conditions under which I would quit: passing out. I switched doubt with “earn it” and started to run.
I slowed down as my body felt worse, but kept moving forward. Little goals. Get to the corner. Get to the bridge. Run a little. Walk a little. Keep moving forward.
A coworker road up beside me on his bike and offered me a Gatorade. I waved him on. He asked if I needed help. I said I was good. I remember the interaction, but I don’t remember it being Derek.
I reached the last aid station and saw a camp chair on the side of the trail. It was my out. I could sit down and the pain would go away. A volunteer asked if I needed help. I muttered “earn it.” He smiled and said one mile to go. I approached the four hour mark with Memorial Stadium in my sights.
I entered Memorial Stadium and headed for the 50 yard line. Cheers from my mom and girlfriend (Stephanie) drowned out the other spectators. I dug down deep.
I did it. I crossed the finish line. Someone shouted “this one might need help.” A National Guardsman caught me. He walked me over to get my medal. I thought “I finished”…then nothing.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue were all around me when I came too. An IV was stuck in my arm and I didn’t know why I was there. I felt my medal, saw my race bib, and put the pieces together. I had passed out. I called my mom to let her know where I was.
My legs were cramped and my feet felt like bricks. As the fluids entered my body I felt better but something wasn’t right. Dizziness and short term memory lapses were a concern. My mind started to get fuzzy and I told Stephanie I was going to sleep. I floated in and out of conciseness and didn’t have control of my body. The med personnel raced to my side to “bring me back.” As I recovered they recommended I head to the hospital for some additional tests.
At the hospital they drew my blood. My electrolytes were some of the lowest they had ever seen. I had drained my body of water and fuel. I literally left it all on the course. The health issues were scary in their own right, but nothing a couple of IV’s couldn’t make better.
The following day I checked “Finish the Lincoln Marathon on May 7th” off my goal list. I was grinning, but it was bitter sweet. I had envisioned pumping my fist, kissing Stephanie, and bragging to Rod and Peg. I didn’t have quite that much grace when I crossed the finish, but in 4 hours 6 minutes and 46 seconds I finished my first marathon (9:26/mile pace). I earned it. Every single step for 26.2 miles.
Back to the original question. “Why would you want to run that far?” The answer is simple: for the grind. The greatest things you accomplish in life require you to grind through tough times. They will test your limits. You will find out what you are made of. If you aren’t having to grind, your goals aren’t high enough. The grind is what create the greatest experiences in life.
I live for the grind. Whether it is hunting, running marathons, business or in life. Write down something great you accomplished. I bet it wasn’t easy, but when you look back at the struggles you realize it was worth the grind.
Until next time remember…drink plenty of fluids...and you're going to have to earn it.