a low-cost diet that helped them save energy for the runs . Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are rich in carbs , protein and sugar , and he says that is what they ate before each race . “ It worked , so we all just kept going with it ,” Frank says . “ You got to know your body .”
AN ANCIENT TRADITION
That advice may have benefited humanity ’ s first marathoner who , according to Greek lore , ran from Marathon to Athens to announce an important battle victory over Persia . Then , the herald collapsed and died . Accounts of his news delivery inspired the modern-day race , which is an Olympic event . The world record — 2:01:39 — was set by Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge at the 45th annual Berlin Marathon in September 2018 .
Marathon running has built a following among amateurs , too . The New York City Marathon had only 55 competitors cross the finish line when it started in September 1970 . Now it is the most popular 26.2-mile race in the world .
The 50 States Marathon Club , a Houston-based association of runners whose common goal is to finish a race in every state , has more than 4,900 members . So far , less than 35 % of the club has accomplished it . Incorporated in March 2001 , the club has seen its dues-paying membership more than double in the past decade .
“ The time has never been important , and frankly , the running has never been important ,” Robert says . “ As far as this goal is concerned , it ’ s all about seeing this great country and traveling with great friends .”
But there are certain limits to what Robert and the group are willing to do next . He says that while competing in a race in Lexington , Kentucky , he met a runner who told him that he finished a marathon on all seven continents , including on the Antarctic tundra — incredibly , pulling off the feat in just seven days .“ My answer , by the way , is ‘ no ,’” Robert says , laughing . “ I ’ m not doing that . That ’ s not on my bucket list .” ■
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@ waynemagazine WAYNE MAGAZINE SPRING 2022
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