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Why I Started This Blog.
Friday, August 21st, 2009 At 7:58 pm
I have worked with literally thousands of runners and hundreds of marathon runners over my past 12 years of practice. During that time I have been relentless in calling marathoners “crazy” or “nuts.” I have recommended everything from group therapy to possibly something stronger like drug therapy. But recently began feeling slightly guilty, for some strange reason, for being so ruthless without actually ever having experienced what a marathon runner goes through.
- Why do they do it?
- What is this “Runners high” they speak of?
- What do they know that I am missing?
- Or are they actually just CRAZY!!!
So I decided this past June, that I couldn’t continue to be a hypocrite. If I wanted to have a foundation of true expertise with which to advice, counsel and possibly even critique marathon runners, I would have to eventually run a marathon myself.
And so that is what I am doing. I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon (thanks to some good friends with inside connections, I scored a spot long after the registration period had closed), and began training with the Galloway Metro DC Marathon Training Program.
This blog will chronicle, not just my training experiences, but will look for input from more experienced runners than myself.
In addition, I will share how I have attempted to incorporate every rehabilitation, chiropractic, and physical therapy trick known to man in order to prevent or in some cases, just limit the severity of runners related injury and trauma. I will tell you what has worked really well, just ok, or not at all.
I look forward to everyone’s feedback and input.
Dr. Bill 
Hey Bill
Great website! I too am training for the Columbus Marathon however my training has stalled and I am thinking I am probably just going to walk. What do you suggest? The longest run I’ve had thus far has been 9 miles about a month ago and only small intermittent runs in between. Should I start my training for running or should I just focus on walking. Again, great site!
Good Luck! I trained with Galloway for MCM in 2003. Its a great program. Yes, marathons are for crazy people, but sometimes its good to be a little crazy – it can help to get you through the day!
GOOD LUCK DR. BOOKER-I THINK IT’S GREAT YOU ARE GIVING IT A SHOT!!! "KEEP YOUR JAW LOOSE/AND LIPS TOGETHER-TEETH APART!!!" ADVICE FROM AN OLE TRACKIE!!!!
This is cool. I ran MCM in 2005. I can’t say I’m much of a runner, so I was amazed at how relaxing long runs can actually become. Good luck!
Debbie, thanks for your comment. I have to agree, the long runs can be unbelievably relaxing. The challenge for me is that long runs are either the best of times OR the worst of times. We ran 23 this weekend and for some reason, I never hit my groove. Got through it, but miles 16 on were true gut checks.
Again, thanks for the response and would love to continue to hear from you.
Kelli, don’t tell me that you are considering becoming one of those "crazy marathoners"! Your question was too important and probably too difficult to answer in a short response, so I am posting a new blog on how to get started in marathon training. Look for it and tell me what you think.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. B
Lynn, I agree. The interesting thing about the marathon training, is I don’t know if I enjoy long runs any more than I used to, BUT it really does help give me something to focus on outside of the daily grind.
But for those people who become "addicted" to running, all I can say is there are a lot of things that would make for worse addictions, so good for them!
Thanks for your response, and yes, Galloway is a great program.
AV Carl, thanks for the tips, I can use all the help I can get on those long runs. I might have to try your bass fishing after I get through this.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you soon.
Dr. B