“What Is The Purpose of A Marathon?”

An innocent question my brother-in-law asked me

Photo taken by author’s husband. Just before my 2km fun run this morning.

My husband’s brother, Bobby, 54, is six years older than me. He started a program of strength training at my suggestion this fall. We were comparing notes over the phone when I told him that I wasn’t “progressively overloading” that week because I was trying to improve my run time of 2 KM. I was running that distance at our local half marathon event.

In the space in front of the football stadium. Author’s photo.

Bobby asked me, “What is the purpose of a marathon?” quite innocently and curiously. He wasn’t asking a belligerent and toxic question like “And what do you think you’re going to achieve by running around in circles?” Nor was he going to follow up the statement with something judgemental like “You would do much better to stay home and take better care of your family!”

Bollywood dance workouts before the marathon. Author’s photo.

Bobby wanted to know how running a marathon, or any of the associated shorter events, would improve my health and if it wouldn’t backfire by ruining the joints of recreational runners like me. He was keenly…