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Ah, if only I were one of "them." I remember years ago, when I lived in the city, joining the Running Club, completing 10K's, and dreaming of running the marathon. I'd been running since I was 16, and I began to train. Unfortunately, after standing in line and registering 10 years ago, I wasn't selected. It's upsetting to hear how, today, so many poorly trained and less-than-fit runners are running the New York Marathon.
As much as I don't like Oprah, I think what she did helped to raise the bar for those sedentary fools who only wore their sneakers to visit the grocery store. I, too, said that if "Oprah can do it, so can I." Running is the great leveler; people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels can run. For me, I considered completing a marathon to be a life-changing event. For those who train properly, the skills one develops are useful for a lifetime.
Someday, I hope to complete a marathon. And not because Oprah did it, but because the thrill of competing in such an auspicious event is its own reward.
