Running

I was reading my latest copy of Runner's World Magazine, which in my case might not be appropriate. I don't think they publish a Jogger's World or Plodder's World, or whatever. So I'll just keep reading this one to see them list times I can't match or see pictures of people that look like they can beat me. I saw in this last edition that Natalie Morales from the Today Show has run a 3:31 marathon. Well, that's just the kind of thing I'm talking about. I could only dream about that. A couple cars I've owned would be impressed with a time like that.

However, it matches the time I had in my Junior year in high school. When I was a Sophomore, I made it my goal to get a school record in something. We had a school record in the Marathon, and I figured that was my best shot. Not being blessed with any discernible athletic ability, I thought this was a race that was primarily about work ethic, and anyone can have that. So like the little engine that could, I went after it. I still remember the school record - 3:33:03. Anyway, my Junior year I broke the record and tied Natalie Morales with a scorching 3:31. I try not to brag, but here we go. My Senior year I ran a 3:03. No matter how good you are, how many people have broken any running event records by half an hour? Not many I would bet.

I ran in college, but good times became more elusive there. I broke 3:00. I would have broken it by a lot, but as runners say, I "hit the wall" during the race. Its a figurative term, but it's kind of what it feels like. More accurately I kind of smacked into the wall at mile 18, recovered and slammed hard into it about mile 22.

I 've ran a couple since then, but I don't think they sit well for me. One time I got an injury the following week that lasted about a year. Another time I passed out during the following week. I've read stories about Olympic Marathon runners that have issues after the race. Its just too far. I'm still tempted to try another one at some point, but I think I need to stay retired from that event.

So Natalie, keep your 3:31. I bet if I trained I could still be Al Roker.