Rather Die on mile 18 than on a couch.....

                  I've been hearing a lot lately about the 'dangers' of distance running. Okay, let's calmly think this through a moment. How many people die every day from obesity, heart disease, diabetes? WAY too many. So, the 'dangers' of running a marathon are far, far less than not ever running at all. Also, and most importantly, I think most people who run and enjoy running are not doing it to LIVE LONGER anyway. Yes, that might be one positive outcome....but I don't think such a passionless outcome is the only reason people rack up scores of miles a week. The impetus far surpasses such banal reasons. I can only speak for myself, but for the most part, the quality of my life since I have begun running has improved 1000-fold. I liken my before-running and after-running life to the difference between black and whiteTV versus color HD TV. Life since running entered my life has been an explosion of color, fun, fresh.....I feel alive, awake, aware, strong!! It feels amazing every day being a runner and that state is a priceless feeling.........I would not trade this high quality of living for anything, even for the fear of dying. So yes, when people caution me about running too much all I say is, "I am feeling so happy and strong lately that it's worth the risk to me...I'll take my chances." Then I go out for a LOOOOONG run.