Mind over matter is a common phrase first used in the 1960s when discussing paranormal phenomena. In running, it is the phenomena that occurs somewhere around Mile 20 when a marathoner’s legs develop a true animus to the individual to whom they are attached. Like a stubborn child, they simply might refuse to budge or just give out. This is the point when marathon running shifts from a physical challenge to a mental one.

When I first set out to complete my first marathon, I sought some advice from a friend who had multiple marathons in the books. By registering for the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon, I had answered the question of whether I was insane (or stupid) enough to attempt to run one. I had always scoffed at marathon runners by asking, “Why would anyone paid to endure the pain, the blisters, the aches?” These people are nuts I thought.

Then I lost my job and needed a goal, a purpose. Sure, there are lots of things I could have chosen but being a runner I figured why not. My friend told me that all of the preparation will help, but when you reach mile 20 and on, it is the mental aspect that comes into play. It tends to be where runners hit the wall and the fatigue kicks in. The ability to will your legs forward should not be underestimated. When I reached the 20-mile mark, I opted for the one-mile-at-a-time strategy – until mile 23. Then my stubbornness kicked in. I have run this far and there is no way on God’s green Earth that I am going to quit this close to the finishing line.

The mind seizes on any topic, any memory, any idea to distract itself from the pain. Visualize the finishing line, visualize the chocolate milk that will soothe the aches when the journey is complete.

Mile 24, Mile 25. No way in Hell I was quitting now. Because my goal was to finish and do so under 5 hours, I slowed my pace for the last two miles. When I approached the finish line, which is uphill, the sight of The End awakened my legs, leaving me with some “kick” to get me across the finishing line.

The feeling was amazing and my emotion was amazement when a US Marine place the medal around my neck and offered me congratulations. It was special. No marathon will ever be as special as the first. But they are all mental challenges of one sort or another. The Clearwater Marathon that would mark my first of 2014 was truly a mental challenge. But more on that later . . . .