I would tell anyone who is thinking about a marathon to go for it and not fall into the 'I can't' syndrome. For that matter, I would tell anyone to follow their dream. Life is too short. Every day we should reach out as far we can to bring that dream into focus and grab it for all it's worth. I am a true believer in carpe diem — seize the day, squeeze every ounce out of it.

After running a few marathons I can explain to people why I run. It calms me. I can't imagine not having it in my life. It helps me to sort through things. It's like stepping outside myself and getting a better perspective of who I am. Running helps me focus better, helps me take my life in the direction it needs to go. It's not like I concentrate on these topics while I'm in the process of running, but running opens my mind to all kinds of possibilities and perhaps the solution is out there waiting for me to find it. Running takes me to that place.