What is it about the marathon that draws so many people to attempt to cross that finish line? Why is the 26.2 THE finish line and not the 6.2? What possessed me to go for the big one? And why am I not only training but PAYING to do it again? So what are some reasons for the drive to finish a marathon? If you have no desire to put on running shoes, scroll down to the bottom. I have a challenge for you anyway 
1. Because people said you couldn’t do it.
If you’re like me, someone telling me I CAN’T do something is like laying down a gauntlet and daring me to pick it up. Well-meaning doctors and acquaintances told me that I couldn’t or “shouldn’t” train for such a long distance.
2. Because that is something you will ALWAYS have.
Nobody can’t take that finish away from you. The medal may get lost. The picture with Elvis may not make it to a frame. But that finish is yours forever.
3. You will face tough obstacles with new perspective.
That hard work project. The 4-papers-due-in-one-day-for-grad-school. The late night diaper changes. Those are tough. But I know I’m not the only one that has said “but that is not as hard as that day in December I finished that 26.2”. Along the same lines, my inner Sassy has said “tough it up sister, you finished a marathon so you can do this”.
4. You will start a fierce fire that smolders after the final step.
There is something about running a marathon that lights a fire in you and it makes you want to take life by the horns and enjoy the hell out of it. You won’t finish a marathon and live a passive life. Even if there are roadblocks or dark times, that fire is always just smoldering away until you are ready to build it up again.
5. You will know what determination feels like.
At some point…at many points.. during the journey, you will want to quit. Many people do quit and start over and try again. Both of those bring about a spine of steel that you might recognize as “oh..THIS is what determination feels like”. Putting down a donut or turning off the TV to finish a project is small potatoes compared to the desire and drive to keep those feet moving. Similar to #1, that will come in handy in life when things get hard again.
6. One less regret in life
No matter if you never plan to run, much less run a marathon, all these apply to tackling some really big goal. Whether it is mountain climbing, walking a 5K, bass fishing, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu don’t be afraid to go after something big. Bigger than big. Go for something that scares the pants off of you, but you want to do it anyway. Find a dream. Make a (safe) plan. And do it. No matter your age or current health status. I firmly believe that good nutrition and moving your body are the keys to turning back the clock. Go big. And don’t let time slip by without an accomplished dream.