Marathon Chant

by Val Lalor
December 2008

During the Marine Corps Marathon this fall, I had the honor of running with veterans, active military and a whole host of runners of varied abilities and goals. 

One image that stays in my mind is one of a runner in desert fatigues and combat boots. He wore a tan tank top/undershirt and dog tags. I saw him at mile 4 as we climbed the hill by Georgetown University. 

The sun shone over the hill, blinding us as we ran. The steam rose from our bodies and in the mist, I watched him pounding up the hill. Other runners shouted thanks or encouragement to him - he kept moving ahead without engaging them. I, in my shorts, tank top and sneakers, passed him easily. Without looking back I knew he was keeping his own pace. His mind on his own race.

Later I passed a pace group that shouted out little ditties to enjoy the run. These were not formal, rather "our pace group rocks" and that sort of thing. I thought we needed something more. Thinking again of the runner in fatigues, I thought a chant like they have in the military would do well.

While running that day, I only got as far as "I don't know but I've been told; marathon running is pretty bold." This was not enough, I knew, and my mind ceased to be creative. So I shelved the thought.

Today driving home, I composed a rough draft of my chant and later wrote out a few verses. I'll practice it next run:

I don't know but I've been told;
Marathon running's pretty bold.

Start my training 4 months out,
practice and pace against all doubt.

Wake up early before the sun,
Check my Garmin, stretch, then run.

Practice the pace to learn the speed,
which I keep to fulfill my need.

Challenge myself from the start;
fuel, hydrate and run real smart.

I know now that which I can be;
Marathon running sets me free.

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