I Guess I’m Running The Cleveland Marathon

So I guess I’m running the Cleveland Marathon. Rejoice?

Last year I was an official blogger for the 2010 Cleveland Marathon and have been lucky enough to be asked again. Apparently there was something moderately captivating in my training coverage. Regardless, I’m grateful to participate once again.

Speaking of last year’s race, I ran the 10K with We Run This City, or what I like to refer to as God’s favorite charity. (Yes, She told me herself. And that’s right… She). The expression is overused, but it truly was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The mere notion my running side-by-side with these kids will help motivate them to live a healthy lifestyle is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Two years ago I ran the half-marathon, the longest I had ever run. I think it’s still my half-marathon PR. Either way, the full-marathon is something that has always escaped me. And by “escaped,” I mean I have deliberately stayed away from it as I consider myself a rather sane person. However, the seed was planted in my head during a Cleveland Marathon dinner last year when executive director Jack Staph announced the next race would be the 35th marathon. I had always told myself if I ever ran a full, the first (and who’re we kidding, probably last) would be in Cleveland. Something about “35″ made me feel like I should do it. I’m 25-years old and probably won’t want to run a marathon (much less my first) when I’m 30. The only other option would be the 42nd marathon, because it’s my lucky number and the answer to life, the universe, everything. But again, now seems to be the moment I should consider doing one. After all, I am in my prime… or something.

So when I was asked to blog again this year, it seemed like I should do it. Run the whole damn thing. Who knows, maybe I can raise money for We Run This City or something in the process. (Speaking of, you can find out about volunteering and donate here).

No guarantees I’ll stick with it. I have generally crappy knees and made the mistake of running the Akron half-marathon without training. My knees still don’t like it when I go beyond 5-6 miles ever since that race. But I’m game for the challenge at the moment. And for me, the challenge isn’t doing it the day of the race. I’m always cool with that. I like race day. It’s the monotony that comes with training. Sure, some runners find it rewarding and take pride in creating schedules and training plans and whatnot, but that’s not me. I just like race day. And ultimately I’d rather throw my body into a gauntlet of obstacles to challenge it rather than a road.

So you won’t find a finely-tuned spreadsheet filled with miles for certain days here. True marathoners will run almost every day. I actually enjoy strength training and do that for at least three days a week. Running is lucky to get two-three days a week from me. And I generally won’t run more than 5-6 miles on a weekday. I just won’t. I’ve got other side projects that suck up my time. Come Sunday I’ll throw myself on whatever long course I concoct. The turning point during my training will undoubtedly be when I run more than 13.1 miles on a random Sunday and don’t receive a medal at the end, only a bitter reminder I’ll need to run even longer the following Sunday. Inspiring stuff, eh?

My best hope will be scheduling plenty of fun races throughout the training. Because like I said, I love race day and all the goodies (beer) that come at the finish line. Now’s the part where I say “stay tuned for more!” So… stay tuned for more.

Disclaimer I shouldn’t have to add but will anyway: This website isn’t dedicated solely to training of any kind. I write a lot of political comedy and the occasional travel piece. I think it goes without saying nobody even remotely associated with the Cleveland Marathon endorses any of my humor, thoughts or what have you. They probably don’t even think I’m funny. So if you see marathon pieces next to something you don’t find funny – or better yet – insults you, don’t go crying to them. Leave an angry, anonymous comment on the post itself like the rest of the internet and move on with your day. Fin.

Photo: cleveland.about.com