MAYEROFF wrote:
In April of 2007, I ran my slowest-ever marathon, 3:09 in Paris, and it also was one of the most meaningful and important runs that I have ever done.
I started waaaaay back with the 4 and 5 hour folks, passing over 10,000 people during my journey around Paris, one of the most incredible cities in the world. Also, I found the Parisians to be some of the kindest and most hospitable people in the world.
During this marathon, I developed a deep respect for the people who take much more time to finish a marathon than myself. I will no longer call them "slow," because they are trying as hard as they can. One of my best friends in the world has a best time of 4:25, and I don't think that he'll ever run faster than this again.
The people who run these 4-6 hour marathons are supporting our beloved sport in innumerable ways, so they deserve our utmost RESPECT and ADMIRATION. Most of you know damn well how humbling and painful the marathon is.
Jason
Thank you.