Challenges of Running a Marathon

Having faced off against and beaten the mightiest military power of their time (the Persian Empire), an Athenian man runs 23 miles to inform the awaiting citizens. With all the strength he can muster, he yells "Nike" (the goddess of victory) and dies. That fateful run is the basis for the even more intensive 26.2 mile stretch today of the New York City Marathon.

Modern runners have an arsenal of tools and techniques to avoid exhaustion, dehydration and skin abrasion. Runner suits are expensive for a reason. This high-tech apparel is specifically designed for runners' needs and reduces blisters, chafing and discomfort. Despite all this, men must still either wear or arm themselves with BAND-AIDES, Breathe Right Strips or Vaseline to protect their nipples. Moreover, it is not uncommon to find toenails turning black from repeated trauma of hitting the insides of running shoes.

Marathon runners use many tricks to pace themselves. Typically they consume packets of salt to replenish their bodies from sweating. Even with modern science on their side, today's runners must deal with a multitude of hazards and inconveniences. Since many stop to relieve themselves along the side of the Verrazano Bridge, you probably don't want to be in the outer lanes if you're on the lower span. Likewise, all the preparation for this event cannot eliminate the possibility of saliva and/or mucus from covering one's face on the home stretch.

Although it may seem that nothing could be worse than running this marathon, the training for the event can also be quite hazardous. During training, the heart may increase in size to handle the additional blood flow it needs to pump. This can lead to arrhythmia and possibly even heart failure. Another rare but serious problem that can occur is a condition known as hyponatremia. Drinking too much water can actually be fatal because the body loses sodium during running through sweating and when you drink too much, even more is released through urine.

So why would anybody in their right mind want to risk all this by running? While some are in it for the glory, others do it to get in shape. Many do it for charity while some just like to pee on the bridge. For whatever reason they decide, it takes a very special person to attempt this journey - even if they don't make it all the way.

Those that brave the New York City Marathon know that only the finest athletes can endure this much punishment. Although the odyssey is plagued by trouble and almost relentless torture, at least today's runners usually live to tell the story.