Today I was inspired by the words of Steve Runner of the Phedippidations podcast. His latest, Episode #92, chronicles the 1982 Boston Marathon. It was a battle of wills between Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley. Here is what Steve has to say about pain:
Pain is a phenomenon that a marathon runner has to accept. So often we have heard the phrase “no pain, no gain.” But such expressions have no meaning to a marathoner. The pain that we’re talking about goes way beyond mere discomfort. Marathoners do not enjoy pain; we accept it. Human beings are skilled in finding a balance between the good and the bad, the healthy and the tasty, the useful and the glamorous, and the pain vs. the benefits of discomfort. But marathoners accept pain. It is required of us. As we take our bodies past the limits of our own physiology through the repetitive motion across long distances, we push ourselves into the experience of pain. Pain has its uses. It signals our physical status. It reminds us of the extremes we are facing.
Steve will be running the 111th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16th. He is hoping to set a PR there. Best of luck to him! I know I will be rooting for him! You can, too. Go to: www.steverunner.com
Isaac Roy
February 15, 2009
Why Do I Run?
Other than because I love to do so, I am honoring the memory of my friend Elijah, who fought a long, courageous battle with Neuroblastoma.
- Susan
- Olive Branch, Mississippi, United States
- Running makes me feel alive!
Land Between the Lakes 23k
March 8, 2014
New Orleans Marathon
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Indianapolis Marathon
October 19, 2013
Wisconsin Marathon
May 4, 2013
Mississippi Blues Marathon
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Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
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St. Joe River Marathon
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Flying Pig Marathon
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Frisco Railroad Run Marathon
April 30, 2011
Cowtown Marathon
February 26, 2011
Chicago Marathon
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Rocket City Marathon
December 12, 2009
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
December 1, 2007 - Memphis, Tennessee
Little Rock Marathon
March 4, 2007
Route 66 Half Marathon
November 18, 2007 - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Soldier Field 10 Mile Race
May 26, 2007 (I am reaching out to my friend Katie!)
Brickfest 5K
June 23, 2007 - Malvern, Arkansas
Elvis 5K
August 9, 2008 - Baby Isaac's 2nd race
4 comments:
Susan, I love Steve. I haven't had a chance to listen to his latest show. Can't wait until my run tomorrow. Thanks.
As marathons, we manage pain. We don't see it as a roadblock, but as more information about our environment. And this is something that carries over into other aspects of our life, it is one of the transcendental aspects of running...
I listen to Steve. Great podcast.
I think it is one of life's experiences that marathoners hold dear. The excitement of the challenge, the drive to finish, the ability to train and anticipate a long event. My hat is off to each of you!
Someday, I will know the feeling.
Thanks for sharing!
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