I just ran the Lincoln Marathon and I learned a few things I would like to share with you.
- Twenty-six point two miles is a long way to run!
- My last race, the 440 yards I ran as a seventh grader 45 years ago, didn’t do much to prepare me for this race.
- An active life, eating right, and months of marathon training did.
You can tell a few things by the photograph.
- I’m smiling; that means I’m still alive.
- My hair is messy. That is how it looks after running a long way, pouring several Dixie cups of water on it, and not combing it.
- The medal does not mean I took first place, not even for my age, old codger. Excuse me, I meant to say master. Everyone who finished the marathon got one of those medals.
- My bib number is 931. That means I was the 931st fool out of 8,000 to sign up to run this race, although only 1500 ran the full marathon. The rest ran a mere 13.1 miles. (Hardly worth getting out of bed for by my way of thinking.)
- The plant I’m standing in front of is a bleeding heart. I’m not sure what that means, but it must have some significance.
Putting all kidding aside, we had a great run. The weather was ideal, a light breeze, cool, and dry. Lincoln is beautiful this time of year. The people were friendly and encouraging all along the route. I’m in the best shape of my life and feel great – at least I think I will in a few days. I would recommend running a marathon to anyone who has the time, health, and desire to do so.