Pat Jordan

I was talking to someone the other day about plans after work. I mentioned that I needed to get a run in before they’d pick me up to go out. I explained that I have a marathon coming up at the end of may and need to run as much as possible when I’m home to balance that with my travel schedule for work.

The comment made went something like this: No offense, but you really don’t have the build for Marathons, you’re a bigger guy (I’m 6′, weigh about 185lbs, and consider myself in good shape, exercising 5-6 days a week). Have you ever seen how skinny and small marathoners are?

I did take a bit of offense. My response to this is, yes the people that win marathons generally aren’t that tall and are extremely skinny. This is the body type that will help you win a marathon; however, marathon competitors have all sorts of body types (and sometimes even ridiculous costumes).

I’m not trying to win the race. I just want to run the 26.2 miles and do well. My ideal goal would be to qualify for the Boston Marathon (which would require pacing a 7:15ish mile), but that might not be possible with the amount of travel that I have to do for work. I’ll be okay with finishing within a decent time – I can pace an 8 minute mile in my sleep.

What I’m trying to do requires discipline and the right state of mind, not worrying about whether I have the correct body type.

I think the philosophy of this extends to life in general: yes, there will be limitations to what you can do, but how do you deal with them or overcome them?