Marathon Magic
Female runners are a special breed. First, consider the roles that many females play in our society: child-rearing, housekeeping, caregiving for parents, caregiving for parents and children simultaneously, the need to juggle work, motherhood, and somehow their own self-care. Second, consider the barriers that many females face: sexual harassment/assault, discrimination at work, poor self-esteem, disordered eating, domestic violence, lack of support in sports, less pay, poor or no maternity leave, fertility issues, and the list goes on and on. It feels like the odds are stacked against female runners. It is no surprise to me that there are less female runners in races. I believe that many females feel defeated before they even get to the starting line; however, females are showing up and breaking barriers. Since female runners have been permitted to run in marathons, a 26.2 mile distance, the percentage of female runners in marathons has continued to increase. Prior to 1972, females were not allowed to run in marathons. In the very first year that females were permitted to run the NYC marathon, they were mandated to start ten minutes before the males. When the gun went off, they sat down in protest. These females paved the way for the rest of us. Female runners are continuing to get recognition, not only for their athleticism, but for the roles they have outside of the race. According to Women’s Running magazine, six of the top ten women elite finishers at the New York City marathon are mothers. This is incredible!
As a run coach, I know that stress, lack of rest, and poor sleep are the biggest contributing risk factors for injury. So how do female runners juggle their roles, the daily injustices they face, and make time for training and rest before a marathon? I really do not have the answer, but I do know that running is often the break that lots of females rely on so they can escape the rest of the world and the pressures they face. Every runner has their reason. Some run solo, some run with a friend or in groups, some sign up for races. A small percentage of all runners (female, male, and non-binary designations) sign up for marathons, a distance that requires a ton of time, training, and grit. If females had more support and less barriers, I believe more of us would be out there, experiencing what I call marathon magic.
I am no regular marathoner. I’ve run the distance twice. I ran my first NYC marathon last weekend and now have one wish: that every female who wants to run the NYC marathon gets to run their race. You might be wondering how 26.2 miles can feel magical. I’m referring to the emotional journey, and as a female runner, the magic happens when we feel the love out on the course. We’re in a battleground with ourselves, but we’re not actually alone. Every runner is fighting. Strangers are joining you and want you to finish. They are mesmerized by you and they showed up to support you.
At the start line, a female runner came up to me and there was a tear rolling down her face. She told me she felt scared. Two other females noticed and we ALL joined her to reassure her that we all felt scared. We encouraged her and reminded her that she will not be alone. She let out a big breath and we all started moving.
It was a hot day for a marathon. I’m pretty sensitive in the heat and got sunburned even with sunblock and a hat! By mile 22, I was ready to reach the finish. The crowds got me very far and continued on, but I was feeling nauseous from the heat, despite all my hydration. I did everything I could to prepare, but the heat still got to me.
I then met another female runner. She was raising money for breast cancer after losing her best friend to the horrible disease. We both wanted to walk. We laughed, we commiserated, we picked up speed and then slowed down again. She was unable to run the last mile due to a knee injury. I did not want to leave her and we both needed the support. I thought to myself, “What is this really about? My time or staying with someone who did not want to be alone?” I chose to stay with her and we crossed the finish line together.
It makes me really happy to have started and finished with other female runners who were complete strangers. It was magical to make friends and ease the struggle. The thing is, I know my story is not unique. There are lots of friends out there. If you can get to the start line, these friends and the crowds of NYC will get you to the finish. They will help you to feel the marathon magic, that is the overwhelming sensation of feeling human, connected to one another, and most alive.
There is a well known Chinese quote: “Women hold up half the sky.” I believe this to be true and one day I hope to see them rule half the race too.