It's fall marathon time! As the temperatures dwindle and the leaves colour up, with training program duly completed, the body and mind turn to completing the distance - 26 miles and 385 yards.
With all of my running friends, we usually group up to go to attractive destinations close by or, occasionally, far away. Race Day brings huge excitement - family, friends and many enthusiastic strangers all along the course to cheer us on, bands, water and aid stations, posters, crazy costumes, never a dull moment as we push our bodies to achieve the finishing time we have set our heart on. Since October 2003, my first marathon, here in Victoria, I have enjoyed running in the cooler fall temperatures (between 9 and 13 degrees) in close to perfect conditions, very little rain, hopefully little or no wind, a beautiful, scenic, gently undulating course.
This year, everything was in place for the usual running celebration. However, my son is working hard at enjoying running and becoming a serious runner. I really want to see him in his half marathon on Sunday. I can't participate in the marathon and support him at the same time!
Last Saturday, I found a way to solve the problem. On a gray, drizzly day I set out on my own to run the distance. I wondered what it would be like to run without any support. How important are the distractions, the fun, the hoopla, the excitement of race day? What is it like to stop at all the red lights and patiently wait for them to change to green?! Is it discouraging to run mile after a mile with no one else involved?
The answer is in. If you love the distance, the challenge, the ritual, running all on your own is a perfect experience - very different from what we are used to. It was a perfect solo marathon for the fall of 2014!
Happy thanksgiving to all! Peace and love. Nigel
With all of my running friends, we usually group up to go to attractive destinations close by or, occasionally, far away. Race Day brings huge excitement - family, friends and many enthusiastic strangers all along the course to cheer us on, bands, water and aid stations, posters, crazy costumes, never a dull moment as we push our bodies to achieve the finishing time we have set our heart on. Since October 2003, my first marathon, here in Victoria, I have enjoyed running in the cooler fall temperatures (between 9 and 13 degrees) in close to perfect conditions, very little rain, hopefully little or no wind, a beautiful, scenic, gently undulating course.
This year, everything was in place for the usual running celebration. However, my son is working hard at enjoying running and becoming a serious runner. I really want to see him in his half marathon on Sunday. I can't participate in the marathon and support him at the same time!
Last Saturday, I found a way to solve the problem. On a gray, drizzly day I set out on my own to run the distance. I wondered what it would be like to run without any support. How important are the distractions, the fun, the hoopla, the excitement of race day? What is it like to stop at all the red lights and patiently wait for them to change to green?! Is it discouraging to run mile after a mile with no one else involved?
The answer is in. If you love the distance, the challenge, the ritual, running all on your own is a perfect experience - very different from what we are used to. It was a perfect solo marathon for the fall of 2014!
Happy thanksgiving to all! Peace and love. Nigel
Super, Nigel! You're amazing. Hope your son's run went well and you're all enjoying this Thanksgiving weekend.
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