Read other letters about this article

• Sunday, November 4, 2007 02:19 PM

  To Mamakpk

  So you consider marathon running a 'useless and self-indulgent' activity?

  Have you ever run a marathon?? I find that most people who sit in judgment towards those of us who are physically active to be not so active themselves. But I could be wrong in your case...

  To answer your question as why we runners run marathons: the runner's high, the challenge, the ability to do something as physically taxing as a marathon, to stay fit, to finish something we started, to better ourselves.

  Self indulgent? If you consider bettering yourself to be self indulgent. Useless? Only if taken to the extreme and one's health is ruined, which does happen to those that get addicted to running extreme distances.

  Me, I run because I like the effect--being in shape and feeling active and far younger than my 46 years. I also like that I can finish something I started and train, for months at a time, towards a goal. As I said in earlier post, I'd still be doing marathons if my body would let me--but my injury after my 2nd marathon knocked me down to doing workouts in the gym (mainly weights and cardio now).

  You call an investment in time and energy towards my physical, mental and emotional well-being a waste of time. I call it being a good example.

  And the best sermon is a good example.

  —Katymurta Read Katymurta's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel