I’ve run six half marathons and two full marathons so far. One of the reasons I run marathons is because I get what I call a “come to CK” moment — that point where I’m mentally sitting down with myself, having some serious conversations.
This moment comes usually at the 20 mile mark. I can handle 12 miles just fine. 18 miles is doable. From 18 to 20 miles, I start to drag. And from 20 to 26.2 — those last 6.2 miles is when the struggles are real. Every part of my body hurts – I’m old (!) and usually undertrained.
But it’s during that stretch that I picture myself sitting across from, well, myself, having some real talks.
“You can stop anytime, but you’ll feel incredible if you finish.”
“Do it for the kids — show them Dad doesn’t quit.”
Marathons help me reach that “come to CK” moment, and I think that’s one of the main reasons I keep running them.
How about you? When do you have deep conversations with yourself, and what helps you get into that zone?