Turning 26 Years Old- Gotta Run the Big One (The Marathon)

Tomorrow I turn 26. Holy potatoes.

Actually, I am not surprised. Time never stops rolling along. The Buddha (and many others) have pointed out that we all get old and we all pass away at some point. Life is impermanent, at least from our understanding. What we do with our limited time is what matters.

Many older people seem to remark how quickly their lives went by when they look back.

In the grand scheme of things, 26 is not that old to many, but to others it may be.

I was thinking of making a list of goals to set for my next year of life as a 26 year old, but I will take some time to think about those off of here. One thing I have decided I want to try: RUN A MARATHON.

The math makes sense, right? 26 years old= 26.2 miles

I ran in college and still run competitively at the local race scene (trying to make myself sound good here), but I have never run further than a half-marathon in one go.

This is a task I do not plan to take lightly. I refuse to go out there not having trained and prepared myself to try to run well (hopefully around sub 3 hours but we’ll see how training goes).

So, as I somewhat naively sit here optimistic and excited, I’m pumped for the challenge. And this is a very, very big challenge. I do not know when or where, but not until at least the Fall. I could use the later summer months to get in some heavier distance training.

Let’s go get it. I appreciate any well-wishes and positive vibes.

The Marathon Project Predictions

Tomorrow morning in Chandler, Arizona, around 50 elite men and 50 elite women will race a marathon on a 4.3 mile loop.

The race website (below) can explain all the deits you may want, but I am here to offer some predictions on the top 10 from the men and women.

Race Details

If you know running, you know.

Top 10 Men:

1. Marty Hehir– Philly med student with 2 infants who is ready to drop the hammer.
2. Cj Albertston– A unique runner with the 50k national record and a 2:09 treadmill marathon.
3. Scott Fauble– A burrito-eating monster who is ready for another big race.
4. Cam Levins– The Canadian marathon-record holder with big mileage training.
5. Noah Droddy– An easy-going, long-haired, fast competitor who is very fit.
6. Jared Ward– 6th place at the Rio Olympics Marathon and well liked by all.
7. Shadrack Biwott– Very high place finishes at big marathons and now ready for a top time.
8. John Raneri– Mcirdy Trained and ready for a huge marathon PR.
9. Colin Bennie– Trains with Hehir and a big surprise at the Trials in February.
10. Scott Smith– From NAZ Elite- I really like his personality and want to see him do well.

Winning Men’s Time: 2:08:37

I am going to guess that over 75% of the field will PR.

Top 10 Women:

1. Kellyn Taylor– One of my favorite runners from NAZ Elite. So tough and coming off a fast 10k.
2. Sara Hall– Recently ran 2:22 in London and apparently crazy fit. The favorite to win this race.
3. Stephanie Bruce– Also from NAZ Elite and known for her grit. I think the top three will be together into the final miles of the race, unless Hall runs away from the start and holds it all the way.
4. Kiera D’Amato– Running some crazy fast PRs in 2020 and ready to finish the year strong.
5. Emma Bates– A very talented distance runner with a chance to compete for the win.
6. Ursula Garcia– From Mexico and coming off a strong World Half Marathon Championships.
7. Sarah Inglis– A track-star from the UK ready to debut a strong marathon.
8. Diane Nukuri- Representing ASICS with a solid PR of 2:27 and looking to improve on that.
9. Julia Kohnen– 10th place at the trials and now training under Rosario at NAZ Elite.
10. Kinsey Middleton– Giving a Canadian the nod to crack the top ten.

Winning Women’s Time: 2:21:31

LET’S GO!!