The Marathon

26.2 miles. 42.195 kilometers. The marathon. Considered the pinnacle of long-distance running. A distance that takes around 30 minutes to drive yet this test has nothing to do with a combustion engine. This test has everything to do with internal drive. It requires a perfect harmony between mind, body, and soul. The pain and burn of the legs can only be mitigated by steady breathing and an ironed mind. Every step takes you closer to the finish. Every step takes you closer to crossing the finish line after 26.2 long miles have been conquered. Every step is an achievement. Every repetition cements your identity as someone who knows what it’s like to finish a process— to finish a marathon.

The marathon is the pinnacle of long-distance running because it is a short enough, but long enough, distance that people still race it. Many ultramarathons lose the allure of a “race” because many participants are more focused on simply finishing. During ultramarathons you have crew stations, you rest, and you take breaks. You do what needs to be done to finish. If you happen to win, congratulations, you accomplished both. Marathons are about more than just completion. They are about pushing your body to the best of your ability. They are about racing yourself and seeing where you stack up against the crowd. There is no need to stop when you are running a marathon. It’s 2, 3, 4, 5 hours, or longer in one go—no crew station required. You are seeing what can be done. The marathon is a race that compiles months or years of compounded effort to see what’s humanly possible.

The marathon is humbling because it’s an even playing ground for everyone. There is no singular advantage for participants when they toe the starting line. Regardless of any previous circumstance, participants must run the same distance in order to be considered marathon finishers. 26.2 miles must be completed no matter who you are or where you came from. The distance is the equalizer.

The marathon is a metaphor for life. It is a simple race, just 26.2 miles, but also 26.2 miles. The objective is crystal clear, get to the end. But the marathon doesn’t start at the starting line. It starts months and years before. It starts on the early mornings where you go out and run 6 miles and then repeat this process again. Day after day, mile after invisible mile, you practice. In your practice, you are compounding your ability from the physical strength of your legs to the aerobic capacity of your lungs, to the mental fortitude of your mind. This compounding effort isn’t seen if you choose any one day of the process. But when you zoom out and realize the weeks, months, and years of commitment, you can see exactly what has led you to the starting line of the race and ultimately the finish line.

Training for a marathon is like anything worth doing in life. It takes time, effort, discipline, and commitment. It takes perspective to zoom out and focus on improving 1% every day with the belief that your efforts will ultimately compound into the success you desire. The marathon is a race but the marathon is so much more than just a race. The marathon is life.