Marathon Reveal 2026
Most people mark milestones with cake. I seem to mark mine by running 26.2 miles and hoping there’s cake waiting at the finish line.
Before I get to the big news, let me build a little suspense. Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t care where he’s running,” but stay with me; I promise there’s a waterfall coming.
Many people think the hardest part of marathon training is the long runs, especially those 20-milers that make you question every decision since middle school. For me, the hardest part is actually the first month. It takes time, willpower, and a bit of self-delusion to get back into marathon shape.
During that first month, my mindset is full of doubt, especially on a four-mile run that suddenly feels as tough as facing big league pitching again. In those early weeks, I find myself saying more than ever, “There is no way I can run that many more miles.” Four plus what equals 26.2? Ugh.
Getting into a rhythm, both mentally and physically, means heading out at 5:00 a.m. five days a week to avoid the heat. Or, recently, running eleven miles on a treadmill because of air quality alerts. Double ugh.
It takes real commitment and leaves my relationship with alarm clocks questionable at best. Recovery is just as tough: ice, cold baths, ibuprofen, and pretending I’m fine while really thinking maybe it’s time to grow up.
Of course, I have no one to blame but myself—I chose this. So I’ll keep going and hope I stay healthy for month two, which I like to believe is more fun, or at least the routine feels a bit more familiar by then.
All jokes aside, I know I’ll need some real luck to finish my 20th marathon. Father Time isn’t just chasing me anymore—he’s moved in, changed the locks, rearranged the furniture, and found my unhealthy snacks.
Time to end the suspense.
Since my warranty might be expiring, I’m turning to a place that can move mountains, drown out doubt, and maybe even loosen a tight calf muscle.
For my 20th marathon, I’m running the Niagara Falls Marathon. The roar is loud, the mist is free, and my goal is simple: borrow enough strength from the falls to finish 26.2 miles, hold off Father Time for another year, and cross the finish line with a smile, a medal, a grateful heart, a body that still moves, and a clear enough mind to enjoy the beauty of the falls.
The Greatest Incentive
But this run is about more than proving I can still handle 26.2 miles without looking like I should be in the stands or on the couch with a snack and better judgment. Every step matters more because I’m running to raise money for the children of St. Jude’s again. Supporting this cause makes the tough training, early mornings, and Father Time’s heckling worth it.
Your support for this charity helps me take on the Falls run and makes every mile matter for both the kids and me. No joke!
Stay Tuned!