City of Angels

It’s been quite a couple of weeks, with races on the west coast on two consecutive weekends and the need to fly home in between. It seems like I’ve spent most of my life going to and from the airport or crammed in an airplane seat. I can’t complain. If you want to be a lumber jack, you’ve to go where the trees are.

This past weekend was the inaugural Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon. Those of you who know me, and know what a gear head I am, will understand when I tell you that after spending two days at the expo looking at the new Dodge Durango, I am 100% sure I need one of them in my garage. Oh MY! But I digress.

I’ve now attended, moderated, and announced at 10 Rock ‘n’ Roll events this year. By my calculations I’ve seen nearly 250,000 runners and walkers start and finish events. That’s a quarter of a million people. Young people. Old people. Fast people. Slow people. And yet somehow they’ve all made the decision to train for and participate in a half or full marathon. They’ve all taken the time out of their lives to take on the challenge of the distances. WOW.

I’ve seen world record holders, US record holders, Olympic medalists, and men and women from every walk of life. What I can tell you for sure is that everyone who takes on the challenge should care about, respect, and support everyone ELSE who takes on the challenge. The days of separating ourselves by pace and finishing times is over. I know better. I hope you do too.

But I am concerned that the idea of “training” for an event is being replaced by the idea “doing” an event. I don’t think you should show up for ANY distance without the right preparation, but the idea of just showing up and “doing” a half or full marathon mystifies me.

I’ve often said that no one is entitled to finish a half or full marathon. After 45 marathons of my own I can assure you of that. All the training does is get you a ticket to the start line. Once that gun goes off there’s no telling what’s going to happen. It can be the best day or worst day and there’s no telling until you’ve committed to finding out by running the course.

But, and I feel strongly about this, whether your goal is a world record or a finisher’s medal, you need to be honest about your effort. You need to train to your abilities and respect the others around you by being prepared.

Waddle on,John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.