The Marathon Is a Race That Rewards Patience and Consistency

It’s that simple — but oh so hard to actually execute

Photo by author. Me and my family, after I finished the Jersey City Marathon.

Last month, I ran the Jersey City Marathon.

I’d put in the work and I was in the best shape of my life. As race day approached, it became clear that the weather would be pretty good. I had a solid race plan — and all I needed to do was follow it.

All signs pointed to a solid Boston qualifying time — 3:02 or 3:03, well beneath the 3:10 required of a 40-year-old man.

The race started great. For the first half, things felt glorious. And then they slowly began to unravel. My pace continued to slip away, and the final six miles were anything but glorious.

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What had gone wrong?

I’d committed the cardinal sin of marathoning: I was impatient.

Race Report: Flying Too Close to the Sun at the Jersey City Marathon

A Plan You Don’t Follow Is Worthless