Besides travel the world and skydiving, I’d say that running a marathon tops everyone’s “to do” list (or for the more ambitious, perhaps a triathlon). Why? What’s the draw? I don’t quite understand it, because to me, marathons hold no interest. Then again, I’m not as into endurance sports as most people seem to be; rather, I prefer sprinting and strength exercises. Plus, I much prefer being in water than jolting my knees on land.
It seems that marathons have become a rite of passage. Much like the Greek system has a pledging process, during which pledges undergo certain challenges to prove they deserve to become a brother or sister in the organization, marathons (and training for them) seem to be a process people go through to be inducted to an unofficial club of sorts. Ultimately it’s more about bragging rights and being able to say that you’ve run a marathon than just being healthy or running for enjoyment. In fact, most people who run marathons find it excruciatingly painful and just barely finish their first few. But it’s one of those things that’s hard enough that people respect you for doing it, yet easy enough that just about anyone can do it, so long as they set their minds to it.
Running comes pretty easily to just about everyone who isn’t confined to a wheelchair. It’s a natural thing humans do, and though techniques vary, the skill isn’t really hard to pick up. Other things like swimming are harder for people to pick up, which is why I think triathlons are things that only more elite athletes go for. The average Joe finds learning to swim and bike, then having to compete in those on top of running just a bit too hard. That’s my theory on why marathons make the list while triathlons get far less attention. Marathons are a good middle ground between not doing anything physically challenging and going for a triathlon.
I’ve never gotten into them and may never attempt a marathon. That accomplishment just doesn’t mean as much to me. I’d rather be able to hold static exercises for longer, be able to pump more weights, or do endurance stuff submerged in water. I’ve never been a great fan of cardio exercises. I like strength and agility more. So though I’d love to go ocean swimming, I don’t feel the need to prove myself by swimming the English Channel. I guess that’s why I loved swimming the butterfly stroke and doing long and triple jump. There’s a lot more skill involved in addition to the strength and power you need to do those events. I’d also love to become a better shot with a pistol, revolver, rifle, and maybe even a bow and arrow. Oh, and traveling the world and skydiving are definitely on my “to do” list. But marathons? They just aren’t my thing.
