My journey to a sub-3-hour marathon

A clarifying note more than two years after I wrote this story. This story remains special not just because it talks about an important milestone in my life’s most beloved hobby — running. After this marathon, I wanted to create a similar experience in my life — develop a new habit and commit to consistency. So I started writing here on Medium and never stopped. I also write about running on Substack. Running wise I improved a lot since my first sub3. My goal is to become one of the best runners in the world in the 45+ age group. I will need to run a marathon in about 2h30min.

***

A friend told me that breaking the 3-hour marathon mark can be underwhelming. It’s just a number, he said and once you get there, it’s possible to feel empty.

Bullshit! Yesterday, at 41 years of age, I ran a 2.57.04 marathon in Southern California and it felt like an achievement of a lifetime. Because it is. It’s something that will stay part of my identity for the rest of my life. I’m a quiet guy; I don’t even clap or cheer for my kids at their sporting events. But yesterday, crossing the finish line of the Long Beach marathon, I let out an ugly, primeval scream. “Run it, bike it, own it”, the marathon logo said. I don’t know what or who exactly I “owned” but that action, with its various connotations, was close to heart.