Double marathoner, Sarah Stanley
A double chocolate cupcake, or running almost 112,000 foot steps? What would you choose?
Although the former sounds more delicious, that is exactly why our great nation is in a state of crisis. And that is precisely the reason that inspired me to run a double Boston Marathon.
If you haven’t dropped over dead from that last statement, congratulations. The first question that probably raced through your mind, was “What in the world is a double marathon?”.
Let me try to explain.
I like to run. A lot. In fact some call my love of running crazy, insane, nuts, and even a bit freakish. Perhaps they are right.
Running 50 or 100 miles at once is pretty intense. But, I run with a purpose: to inspire others to be active; to encourage a nation to eat healthy; to show kids that an active lifestyle is cool; and most of all, to lead by example.
If you want to know what’s crazy though, it’s the obesity statistics. Right now one in three kids are obese and $147 billion is spent on health-related obesity issues. It is because of this crisis – and yes, it is a real crisis – that I have dedicated my time, blood, sweat, tears, and pain to this issue.
April 19, 2024 was an epic day. Just eight days before, I ran a 50-miler. Could I really run a double Boston Marathon? That is 52.4 miles! I intended to find out.
At 5 a.m., seven guys and one girl – that would be me – started from the finish line in Boston. The guys took off and I made a note to myself to faster next time around. So I was left alone to run 26.2 miles to Hopkinton. And as soon as I arrived, I got to run it all over again. The trip back to Boston was hard, painful, and sometimes bitter. Even though the pain was great, what kept me going was the children of the next generation.
Along the way I stopped and briefly chatted with kids and teens and took photos. This was the highlight of my double Boston Marathon journey.
How will you be healthier today than yesterday? Here are some ways that you can start adding life to your years.
1. Get up 30 minutes earlier. It’s amazing how rolling out of bed earlier will create life in your day. Seriously, try it.
2. Drink water. Say no to soda, juice, martini’s, screwdrivers, and the like.
3. Set a goal. Goals will help you succeed.
4. Challenge yourself. What do you think you can’t do? You’ll be surprised at what you can do.
5. Think positive. Your mind is very powerful. Tell yourself you can and you will. Tell yourself you can’t and you won’t.
Fifty-two miles or a double chocolate cupcake? I think the answer is obvious.
A healthier nation starts with you. Each of us has a part in getting active. Choose sweating over your sweet tooth.
I’ll see you at the finish line.