Running
I was reading Eric's entry in the 8 things meme (which is not a meme, really, but that's what some dolt called it, so that's what we're calling it. I think Joe, that the list idea may in fact be a meme, but the list isn't, if that makes any sense), and I was thinking about one of his entries. And sweetie I'm not slagging you here, I just had to comment on the whole 'run a marathon' thing.
I get it. I realise that people want to do it because it seems like some sort of extreme thing to do. And I guess it is. It's right up there with mountain climbing or dancing for 155 hours to break a world record. And, for me, it's just as pointless. There was a reason, once, why some guy needed to run 26 miles and change (from Marathon to Athens if you're curious) and it was to deliver a message. But you know what? We have FedEx now. There's simply no real good reason as far as I can see.
And find me one photograph, go to google image search now if you like and do it, and find me a single shot of a marathoner - in action - where they don't look like they're in agony. Cyclists don't look like this. Whatshisface with the one nut, he looks like he's workin' hard, concentrating and he's certainly serious, but he doesn't look like he's about to shit his lungs out his arsehole from over exertion, nor does he look like he wants to cry. Runners do.
Now, before someone reminds me, I will admit that at times (in between cigarettes) I have done a bit of running. I did a Learn to Run clinic at my local running shoe store, and I, in fact, did run two 5ks and a 10k. But that's where I draw the line.
You see, there's really only one reason to run. And that's because you're being chased. And 10k is about far enough to outrun anything that may be chasing me.
Anything that'll continue to run after 10k deserves the meal.