Going the Distance
Most men run marathons for the same reason they build empires, climb mountains, and - let’s face it - chase after beautiful women: to prove themselves. Running a marathon is a crazy act that can feel like self-immolation (just like hitting on a beautiful woman), and it takes a fit mind and body, plus a slightly oversized ego, to even consider it seriously.
So I have nothing but admiration for this month’s cover subject, actor Ryan Reynolds. I’ve run a couple of marathons in my time, and there comes a point – for me, it was about mile 17 – when your sneakers fill with hot coals, your innards with broken glass, and your mind with doubt. That’s when quitting seems like the only rational course of action. The only thing that keeps you putting one foot in front of the other is ego: You must prove to yourself that you’re up to the challenge.
But Reynolds completed the New York City Marathon this past year not to prove himself (with roles in films like Blade: Trinity and the upcoming X-Men : Wolverine, he’s already a Hollywood fitness icon), but to help save someone he loved. His dad, Jim Reynolds, has spent 15 years struggling with Parkinson’s disease. Running on behalf of Michael J Fox’s foundation, Reynolds powered through the even, even while nursing a nasty case of bronchitis. The money and awareness he raised will help put yet another crack in the wall that stands between Parkinson’s sufferers and a cure.
This spring, as we start heading to the gym to fortify ourselves for beach season, we’ll all be better off if we take a lesson from Ryan Reynolds. Yeah, looking good and feeling good are great reasons to hit the gym and give our all. But vanity and ego aren’t the strongest motivators. The truth is, health and fitness are more than just personal goals – they’re gifts we give to the people around us. It will make us better fathers, husbands, friends, lovers… and yes, even better sons.
No, your family may never need you to run a marathon on it’s behalf. But wouldn’t you like to feel that you could… just in case?
By David Zinczenko
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