When we think about working out, we usually think about weights or circuits, and then the dreaded running. Running is seen as this awful workout and sport that you have to do to get into shape. We don’t necessarily do the workout, but we at least think about doing it.

For some, running is a way of life. Running is such an easy sport because it only takes a few essential pieces of equipment: shoes and clothes. While you can add a lot more into that list, including headphones, an iPod, a water bottle, and electrolyte chews, these aren’t really essentials for being a competitive runner. Usually competitive runners just push through with the bare minimum, and this is what they’ve been doing for years. As much as they train for these races, this is what they’ve been doing for years, and it’s very normal for them.

For the average person, this is not normal. It sometimes is seen as a freak incident of nature. When the average person thinks about running, we think about running two or so miles. We don’t see running 13.1 or 26.2 miles as an average workout. This is something that most work toward in life, and it’s never an easy challenge. Is running really essential to a workout, or is it essential to life?

Running is something you have to work toward; as much as it comes easily to some, it takes practice to conquer the marathon. This was seen in the 2015 Chicago marathon that happened on Oct. 11, where the elite runners have their plan down pat, but so many people saw this marathon as a loss. You can see many people crossing the finish line with a smile, but just as many crossing crying. As much as it seems unrealistic for people that have these high expectations and get crushed, they also have been training for months, and for them to not perform the way they wanted is mentally and physically exhausting for them. Marathon running is not a one-time occurrence, it takes five or six races just to get a plan started. This type of running is such a commitment. Some people don’t take it seriously as a sport, because it’s such an individual sport and has such a variety of people that participate; it is the most inclusive sport out there.

Marathons bring such a sense of comradery, not just from the runners, but also from the spectators. There’s so much support for every runner, especially if they have their name written on a supporter's shirt. Everyone is yelling their names and keeping them in high spirits throughout the race. The whole city is out supporting as well. This is a day that everyone knows about and can’t ignore. The amount of runners that show up to these races is numerous and the families that show up are all there to keep them going and see them in one of their greatest life achievements. To say that you’ve run one of these marathons is a big deal, and is really worth it in the end, because it’s recognized around the United States, as well as other countries.