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Health and Wellness

Running: 2 Responses I Detest #Marathon

Tomorrow I am running the Community First Fox Cities Marathon (track my time). I first ran this marathon in 2006 (it was my first marathon – results). Since then I have run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon two times, the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon, Whistlestop Marathon in Ashland, the Twin Cities Marathon, and most recently the 2011 New York City Marathon. In between I have run lots of other races. I love running. I love racing. I love talking about running. I love reading about running. I love watching movies about running.

Rick’s DMAT team coined the phrase “Anderstrong” to support Rick.

When people, especially EMS people, learn that I am a marathon runner, I get these two common responses.

Finite Heartbeats

Non-runners are fond of saying, “I believe that I have a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t want to waste any of those heartbeats exercising.”

Instead they are wasting those heartbeats pushing blood through the extra vasculature of their excess adipose tissue. It might not seem like a big deal in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, but when you are in your 50s or 60s (you might not make it to 70s) you might regret wasting heartbeats on moving blood through adipose tissue. I don’t care what exercise you do – bike, swim, kickbox, yoga, hike, walk, tumble. Anything just move. Stop wasting your finite heartbeats.

Who’s Chasing You?

Non-runners (non-exercisers) love to glibly ask, “Who’s chasing you?” Or give the dismissive response of , “I would only run a 5k (or 10k, half marathon, full marathon, ultra marathon, etc.) if I was being chased.”

You know what is chasing me and I am running from:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • COPD
  • Cancer

I Move Because I Can

Marathon race kit

Life is unpredictable. 4 months ago Rick was signed up and training for a half iron man. A cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy derailed those plans. Tomorrow Rick was planning to walk/jog the half marathon route. Yesterday while I was picking up my race bib Rick was at the hospital because chemotherapy side effects. He won’t be at the starting line. Tomorrow I am running for me, running to inspire my kids, running to inspire one of you, and running to honor Rick.

Life Is Full of Choices

Tomorrow I get to choose to spend some of my finite heartbeats running 26.2 miles. I am grateful I have that choice.

How are you choosing to use your finite heartbeats? 

By Greg

Elearning designer, writer, podcaster, blogger, presenter and paramedic. To relax I run and bike as far and as fast as I can. Also like to read a lot and fast.