MCM or bust!

Yup. I’ve been very poor about updating this blog recently. I really don’t have any legitimate excuses unless new tattoos, repeat episodes of Riptide, or loads of assignments at work count. None of these are that compelling of a reason to shirk writing a couple paragraphs a few times a week. So, just like the imminent official start of training for the Marine Corps Marathon, I will work equally as hard in making certain I’m a more active blogger.

Apologies aside, I’ve begun to reflect why I’m running the MCM again or long distance races in general. The last time I ran it, I did horribly. It was my worst marathon and I totally bonked on the 14th street bridge. I think the obvious reaction for many people would be not to run again or shorten the distances of future races. However, I’ve run more long distance races since then. Why? What’s the point… besides it being cheaper than therapy? For me it is two things: 1) I’m hyper-competitive with myself and 2) I feel stronger after subjecting myself to the pain one encounters when running.

First, I’ve never been competitive in life with other people, but I have developed this urge to do better every time I run a race. I’m not sure why but it has a whole host of positive benefits – “externalities” for you econ geeks. I watch my diet and weight in order not to put on extra pounds that can slow me down. I vary my routine by running hills, trails, and Fartleks. All of these are keeping me more focused on the running, healthier, and happier in general.

Secondly, I subject myself to pain when I run. This shouldn’t be confused with suffering. I never suffer while running. It is a simple pleasure for me in life. It is similar to a cup of tea, a good song on the radio, or hearing my daughter joyously run to the front door before I’ve even had a chance to finish turning the key to enter. The pain felt during a run, for me, serves as a gauge for progress and improvement. Sprinting at the end of the run, profuse sweating in the DC heat, and muscle soreness provide an indication that I’m moving forward and hopefully becoming faster or able to go longer distances. I’m disappointed with myself if I go out and simply go through the motions. I feel I’ve wasted my time and see little benefit from these junk runs. I’d rather waste my time watching episodes of Campus PD, which is also painful to watch. Speaking of which, a new episode begins shortly. Ciao.