Flashes of Panic

There’s a tongue-in-cheek maxim in the running community that after you run a marathon, you can’t be held to anything you say regarding future marathons for about two weeks afterward. The classic example is Grete Waitz, who told her husband Jack after winning the New York City Marathon, “I’m never running one of these again.” She went on to win the NYCM eight more times and a silver medal in the ‘84 Olympic marathon. Once the two weeks was past, she was able to think more clearly about it.

I think we need to extend this to spectators, too. Nearly every time I’ve gone to a marathon, the runners have come away swearing they’ll never do anything that silly again, and the spectators come away saying, “Maybe I can get in shape to do that next year!” (The notable exception being the one who told me, “I’m very proud of you, but don’t ever make me watch you do that to yourself again.” Yes, I remember the exact words. Please note that I’ve not named names. Wish I’d listened, a bit.)

For me, the waiting period should probably be about a year. You’d think after two DNFs and two wrecked-for-months finishes, I’d have figured it out. But I had to go for the fifth. I don’t know if I can blame the marathon, but I haven’t had five months of running since. But it certainly looks like this is a distance that’s not for me. I tested this on the podiatrist a few weeks ago. “So, marathoning’s probably not a good idea, huh?” “Not on those feet,” he smiled.

After watching the third consecutive too-warm-for-comfort Boston, I have to say I’m feeling satisfied with that decision, despite statements I may have made earlier. Maybe, I suggested to A., we can come back when we’re 50 or 60 and can just jog the course and enjoy it without feeling like we need to race.

Meanwhile, the press room is comfortable, and I think I’ll be welcome there for a few more years at least. We watched some early leaders pushing away from the packs before they were far out of Hopkinton, and shook our heads knowingly. “Bad idea.” Even the spotters were calling in on the women’s race: “The winner’s going to come from the second pack.” (She did.) Maybe the elite athletes need a waiting period, too.

As for those of you who just ran: Go ahead. Say whatever you want. We won’t hold you to it, once you’ve returned to your senses.