Some call it a monster, a force to be reckoned with; while others simply see it as a test of so many intangible human emotions. Is this infectious, inanimate 26 miles and 385 meters really worth the countless hours of training, pain, sacrifice and discipline that millions of Americans are participating each year? I don't know... not just yet...

In deseperate need of motivation, I agreed to see a documentary on the Chicago marathon entitled "Spirit of the Marathon" with my training buddy. Let me start by saying, I am not a natural runner; naturally athletic, yes, but a real, talented runner benefits from the genetic gift of long, lean limbs, lungs of steel and tremendous focus. Sadly, I possess none of the aforementioned qualities. I began running seriously about four years ago as a personal challenge and a way to stay in shape. I have progressed through the encouragement and accompaniment of a good friend who is also a semi-novice runner. I've ran countless charitable 5K, 10K and 15K races, along with a half marathon last spring. Despite sometimes feeling tortured while in en route, after most every race I feel an indescribable euphoric high. Just like any natural or chemically engineered high, you crave more and more. Each additional mile I rack up, I want to continue running, just to see if I might be able to complete the ultimate challenge of a marathon, even just once.

A self-diagnosed A.D.D. sufferer, the thought of running, let alone doing anything for four hours straight bores me to tears. The film changed my perspective by showing people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities conquering the beast each for a different reason, but reveling in the same sheer satisfaction and  feeling of invincibility. It was a thorough portrayal of both elite and novice runners; old, young, short, fat, slow and fast. There were runners from all over the country and world navigating the viewer through the training process and finally, the marathon. Despite their differences, each individual attests that once you run a marathon, you can do anything. 

So for now, I am going for the glory since it is the next step in my natural progression to self-fullfilment, enlightenment and overcoming my A.D.D. They say at about mile twenty, most runners hit an inevitable wall and your body undergoes intense physiological changes. I am banking on the fact that I will stop feeling my legs and allow either adrenaline or that state of euphoria to carry me the rest of the way. If that doesn't work, I still have an intense competitive edge that calls to me and begs: if a 70-year-old can do it, then so can I!