Respecting the distance does not start at the race. It forms during the months or often years of preparation. Any runner that crosses the finish line with tears of pride, relief and pure joy could tell you, as much as the race day itself, it’s the commitment to preparing for the distance that brings deep satisfaction: to be able to stand at the starting line as your best self, before even one step has been taken.
Articles by Mark Marzen
The Orcas Island 100-mile race in the San Juan Islands of Washington is beautiful. The forest is lush with moss and fallen trees and trails roll and climb to outlooks of the bay dotted with islands. The race has the gras...