My dream is to run a marathon by the time I am 30 years old. I am an active 21 year old who enjoys running but can’t imagine running a marathon. Health and physical endurance is a passion of mine and I find that marathon runners are the top healthiest persons in United States. Another reason why this is so important to me is because I have been overweight in the past and I don’t want that to happen again. If I am training for a marathon for 9 years, there is less of a chance to ruin a routine.
Holly Schmid who wrote The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightment mentioned that running can be a religious experience. When running some experience “sacred scholarship, grand ritual, austere meditation, heartfelt repentance, heroic asceticism, mystical flight, miraculous cures, ceaseless devotion, divine joy, and nature worship-while promising enlightenment in this very body (Schmid 1996).”
Skip Cleaver who wrote Running to Fight Breast Cancer organizes marathons for donations and the gathering for women and men to support those with breast cancer. This marathon took place in Florida in February 2007. This is the only marathon type race to raise awareness for breast cancer. The purpose of this race is to bring awareness to this disease, raise donation, educate, and create an atmosphere for those who have had cancer or a family member who has to share their stories. I expect that this is a very moving experience for those who participate.
To fulfill my dream I will need to keep a positive attitude. It wouldn’t be beneficial of me to hang out with people who don’t think I can accomplish my goal. I need to learn how to distract myself from negative thoughts and people who are negative as well. A great support system would include my husband, sister, and best friend. My sister and I run together so maybe I could ask her to do this with me. We are both motivated people so I think this would work for the both of us.
By completing the research listed above I have found a new meaning to running a marathon. Not only is it physical it is mental and spiritual as well. I intend to learn more about the process and techniques of running a race as well as the many benefits that it proposes.
