Endurance

This Monday in Boston is "Marathon Monday." Runners from around the globe converge on the city for the epic 26.2 mile test of endurance. It is so funny that we commemorate this mileage considering the first to accomplish the task died upon crossing the "finish line."  Opinions on marathons are quite diverse. Some avid runners find it to be the Everest of their profession. Others see it merely as a way of being cruel to one's body.  Feet slapping the pavement, knees banging together, and sweat dripping contribute to what they feel is a grueling and unnecessary feat.  I understand this opinion especially after having my own knee injury while training for a half marathon.  Nevertheless, there is something magical about watching hundreds of men and women commit to this Monday in Boston.  So many run for charity, so many run for a purpose, so many run to prove something to someone. I sit on the curb every year and feel emotional as each passes me by.  I do not have the endurance nor the knees to do their task. Yet, I envy them.  When they cross that line they have crossed something off of their list. It is hard not to be emotional as a bystander. Some fall injured along the way and the spirit of the crowd lifts them up.  It is a true testament that the human species is still intrinsically good. For this purpose, I watch year after year proud.