Hello, marathoner. 

What are you running from? Facing all of the problems in today’s society for one thing, but what else? 

How can you order energy gel on Amazon when the Amazon rainforest is burning? 

What goes through your mind as you literally pass today’s problems by? 👋 Hi, under resourced public school. 👋 #RiseAndGrind homeless person. 

Would all those morning miles be better spent volunteering?

It seems the only time you give a shit about anything is around mile 20. 

Jk, jk. I’m sorry for singling you out runners. Don’t let your nips get chaffed. You’ll have a healthy sense of humor about this I’m sure. Running a marathon is an amazing, life-changing accomplishment. This really isn’t about you, anyway.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF DOING ANY HOBBY TODAY? 

• Is watching football still fun if concussions increase unconscious bias?
• Is knitting still soothing if America’s patchwork quilt has been torn apart?
• Should you write poetry if nothing rhymes with privilege? 
• Can you ski freely when powder has America’s youth addicted?
• Does homemade beer taste as good when there’s trouble brewing with China?
• When you go apple picking does the kid picked last in kickball cross your mind?

Deep breath. 

• Is being an internet troll ok if the guy under the bridge can’t get Wi-Fi?

There are “think pieces” about everything these days. The debates that seemed outdated in high school citizenship class are still somehow going strong. So much noise. Endless nonsense. But also serious issues to address. Worthwhile dialogues to engage in. Essential causes to support (maybe through running marathons 😄 ).

With all the general craziness happening in the world and chaos swirling online, it’s important to take a quiet moment before the marathon and actually think about a very important personal question:

Why do you run?