Why do I want to run a marathon?

The question I get asked most often recently is why the F would you want to run a marathon? (Besides the obvious, I mean I am an exercise scientist) People look at me like I'm absolutely crazy. What would make someone want to run 26.2 miles? The answer for me is because I can, or at least I think I can. George Mallory was once asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest. He said because it's there. That sentiment sums up exactly how I feel. It is estimated that 0.15% of the US population has finished a marathon. The thing about it is there is nothing stopping people from doing it. You don't need expensive equipment or anything like that, you just need dedication. Dedication to yourself. Dedication that when it's cold and raining out, you go run. Dedication that when everyone else is sleeping in on Saturday morning, you are out hitting the road. Dedication that the most pain you've ever felt in your life, is the single greatest feeling you've ever experienced.

I want to run a marathon just to say I did, so I can be part of that 0.15%. It's all about the proving to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to, and if I happen to give others proof that they can do it also....all the better.