It’s hard to believe that a week from today, I’ll be on my way to NYC to run what will be my 2nd marathon in 7 days.
In March of this year, when I got the news that — after 6 years of lottery attempts — I’d finally secured a spot in the New York City Marathon, I was overjoyed. A few days later, I found out that I’d also gotten into Marine Corps Marathon via its lottery.
For a split second, I actually debated deferring my MCM entry since the 2 races would only be a week apart this year — a feat I’d never attempted. Then, I decided to do it, to go for it, 2 marathons only a week apart.
As these things go, when I made the decision, it seemed like such a long way off. Something I’d deal with when the time came. And before I knew it, the months had passed and now I’m about to step up to the start line of what could be the most difficult physical challenge I’ve ever faced.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about the 52.4 miles that lie ahead. I’ve been doing this stuff long enough to know that nothing is guaranteed — out there, so much is out of your control.
But for now, I’m focusing on the task in front of me – tomorrow’s Marine Corps Marathon. As with all challenges in life, it’s important to run the mile you’re in and not focus too much on the miles ahead of you — but even after all these years and all these miles, it’s still not an easy thing to do.
So every day I just do the best I can, taking it moment by moment…and some waffles never hurt either.
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