11+2

A couple of weeks ago I was talking to a friend and she asked me what I learned from running a marathon. She was asking about running specific lessons, but for me, the lessons were much bigger than what it taught me about running. Don't get me wrong, I learned A LOT about running from that experience.  But there is just more to it than that. A few days after the race, I posted a race report on a running forum I frequent. I just wanted the people who frequent that forum to know that their advice, and efforts, and hopes and dreams all matter. So I gave them a huge "Thanks" and the following list....

Top Eleven Things I Learned Running a Marathon

1. When everyone else starts too fast, let them pass you. You'll probably pass them in the last seven miles.

2. Things you don't expect to happen at all may very well happen in the first three miles. Adjust.

3. A twenty mile training run will not necessarily make mile 15 of the actual race seem any easier.

4. The five second rule applies to jolly ranchers dropped in mud puddles.

5. You can cry and run at the same time.

6. You can cry, run, and eat a fig bar at the same time.

7. Vaseline is your friend.

8. Your race can change someone else's life.

9. There is a reason most people don't do this.

10. You are not the same person at the end that you were at the beginning.

11. You are not the lie society fed you. You do have a "runner's body."

Looking back on it, I would add a couple more:

12.  The people you wish would show up to cheer you on, may not, but some people you would never expect and may not even know will be there in the hard parts.

13. George H. Bush has a firm handshake.

And if none of this makes any sense to you, I get that.  But I dare you to dream up something that seems too big and go after it. But don't be surprised if I show up with a cowbell and cheer you on when the going gets tough.