Chapter 1: The Challenge of Endurance

Running a marathon is not just a physical endeavor; it embodies a multitude of challenges that reflect life’s hurdles. As I approached the halfway point of my second half marathon within weeks, the discomfort in my right iliotibial band (IT band) escalated rapidly from a minor annoyance to an excruciating pain. With every attempt to adjust my stride, I felt a sharp pain radiate through my right leg from knee to hip, forcing me to question, “Can I actually complete this race?”

The IT band plays a crucial role in supporting the knee, and developing IT Band Syndrome is a common consequence of prolonged downhill running. Unfortunately, the course I was on featured a steep 1400 feet of elevation loss (933 feet net), ensuring that there was still a significant amount of downhill running ahead.

In a moment of desperation, I bent over, hands on my knees, and spotted a thin, synthetic cord lying just in front of me. Without hesitation, I tied it around my leg right below the source of my pain. While this was a symbolic gesture, it served as a reminder that, unlike my previous race, I was in good physical condition and determined to minimize injury in order to finish strong.

It remains a mystery how I managed to cross the finish line; the pain was overwhelming, and I was on the verge of tears. The combination of adrenaline, support from enthusiastic strangers, and unwavering focus propelled me forward. Against all odds, I completed the race in 114th place out of 1324 participants, achieving a solid time of 1:42, which translates to running 13.1 miles at an average pace of seven minutes and fifty-two seconds. Even in my most painful moments, I maintained a pace of 8:46!

I have a complicated relationship with races, yet I manage to complete an average of four each year, including various distances. From a zero-waste perspective, races tend to generate significant waste, with disposable items like plastic water bottles and energy gels prevalent. It was disheartening to see that the water stations were stocked with single-use bottled water from Nestlé.

Over the years, I’ve learned to gracefully decline medals, snacks, t-shirts, and other promotional items, but the distribution of Mylar emergency blankets struck me as particularly disappointing. Given the chilly 40-degree Fahrenheit start, every runner was encouraged to take a single-use blanket, resulting in a spectacle of discarded materials that would linger in landfills for centuries, all for a brief moment of warmth.

Despite the wastefulness, there are many aspects of participating in formal races that I appreciate. Most of my running occurs in my neighborhood, where I contend with traffic signals and cars. This stop-and-go dynamic is frustrating, but formal races take place on closed courses, allowing for an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Running through downtown Los Angeles or along Azusa Canyon without the usual vehicular concerns is undeniably satisfying. Even cyclists had to wait for police escorts on race day!

Another rewarding aspect is the encouragement I receive from strangers along the route. One memorable moment involved a police officer cheering me on near the finish line! There is also something incredibly fulfilling about motivating fellow runners who appear to be struggling, bringing smiles and renewed determination to their faces.

I started running a few years prior to the pandemic because I grew weary of disappointing myself regarding the standards I set. I often convinced myself that I could only achieve significant goals—such as environmental awareness—through collaboration, rather than independently. I allowed this flawed belief to dictate my success (or lack thereof).

During any run, there comes a point when I feel the urge to quit. In fact, I believe that if you never feel like giving up, it likely means you’re not challenging yourself enough.

Running serves as a powerful metaphor for life: set a goal (commit to a zero-waste lifestyle), devise a plan (eliminate disposable products and single-use items), and execute that plan. Keep moving forward, don’t be discouraged, and most importantly, never give up.

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Chapter 2: The Parallels of Running and Sustainability

Video Title: Why running a marathon is the pinnacle of a personal accomplishment - YouTube

This video explores the profound sense of achievement that comes from completing a marathon, highlighting the mental and physical challenges involved.

Video Title: How a Psychologist Became a MARATHON Runner | Dr. Rami Nader - YouTube

In this video, Dr. Rami Nader shares his inspiring journey from being a psychologist to becoming a dedicated marathon runner, emphasizing the transformative power of running.