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With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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October 10, 2007 2:46 p.m.

Life is a marathon — Stay focused

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By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

Let me share another perspective of living in the moment.

On Sunday, my wife and I ran the Twin Cities Marathon. We are experienced runners; Peggy had completed 6 and I have run 8 marathons. At the start the humidity was 80% and temperature was 74 degrees. The medical directors seriously considered canceling the event.

Of the 10,500 starters, 3,000 never finished and 250 needed medical interventions, twice the usual number. We each finished, but it was not pretty. What got us through was the notion of "staying in the moment." Not looking too far down the road, the future, and not thinking of how far we had come, the past. We focused on each step, stayed focused on the moment and it all worked out.

So how does each of us silence the demons of our past, and how do we silence the demons lurking outside our door?

Please share your thoughts.

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22 comments posted

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March 23, 2008 11:15 a.m.

Addendum to my previous post: The concept Alan suggested reminds me of what in NLP is called "Reframing" Check it out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reframing_(NLP) "...changing the context or representation of a problem"

- ~Cinny

March 23, 2008 11:02 a.m.

Wow, Alan!(posted on October 10, 2007 8:45 a.m.)You really heard the question. You suggest a very positive, proactive, healthy, solution. It is a goal of mine to master such a technique!

- ~ Cinny

November 25, 2007 9:03 p.m.

FYI, swimming is one of the most comforting and breathing intensive exercise one can participate in. The pressure on the joints are minimal,(I have OA) I find it accommidating to swim as long as my endurance can safely take me. That is usually 3-4 laps every 20 minutes or so until fatigue starts to begin in earest. I'm careful to have a exercise buddy for tips as advise as the club includes these amenities as a matter of routine. I fswimming isn't always convenient,asnd in the winter it may not be ,a brisk walk should you be acclamated is the next best thing. Shopping centers(indoor) open at 5-6 am for this very purpose.

- T Kenneth Lawson

November 15, 2007 11:09 p.m.

Marathons are for the athletically mature with intricate knowledge of stress fractures, pulmonary function, hydration,and those of us who know our limits. Start slowly and then pace yourself. A stress treadmill and labs are manditory. Those who overdue it can do PERMANENT joint damage without the "all clear" from your sports Dr or trainer.Bone density tests aren't a bad idea either.Good luck and stay with it, it's easier to not get out of shape rather than try to regain the former prowess.

- T Kenneth Lawson

October 30, 2007 2:37 a.m.

To go along with Greg, There is a serious problem that no one addresses in this country. A Baseball player gets $2 million a year, Football $1.5 million a year, Pro. Coach $5 million a year, etc... How much does a U.S. Soldier get? How much does a Police Officer get? How much does a Firefighter get? I think we have our Real Hero's mixed up and our priority's are out of wack. Think about it :(

- Unit421

October 30, 2007 2:30 a.m.

Taxes, Liberals, an empty suit in Washington, Illeagel alians, $3.00 a gallon gas, and Leaders who do not care except for whats in it for them. The next marathon we need to run is to Canada!!!

- Greg

October 23, 2007 7:38 a.m.

reading all this stories makes me feel that I am not alone, I'm struggling with my work now... before I go to work there won't be any instance that I will not cry prior to going out of our home. I keep pushing myself to be the best even if deep inside I hated my job..The love of God, my dearest mom, dad and brother kept me through all the trials that life has to offer.. Life is to great, it's how we make every moment count and stay happy... Live life and I'm sure God will always be there to see you through!

- jolie

October 17, 2007 5:22 a.m.

Margaret you got it! Althought it can't be easy, I'm glad you are finding strenght in focusing on the good, the great and the miracle of every day! Not to take away from any "marothoner" but to me that is the ultimate focus, the moments we live and call LIFE!

- wanda

October 16, 2007 7:16 p.m.

I lost my son in July and one month from that date (our 30th wedding anniversary) I lost my husband from a terrible brain stem stroke. I believe they are resting until I see them again. However, grieving is a part of life, as we all will live and die. A balance of; love, faith, forgivness, endurance, and a happy heart helps much.

- yvonne

October 16, 2007 5:13 a.m.

When I was 45 I ran two marathons. My training consisted of 2 each of 5k, 10k 15k, 25k, and then 2 marathons, Montreal and Chicago 30 days apart. I need to draw on my inner strenght to battle the pains I now suffer. Neurophaty in my legs and a bad back keep me from running but I can still ride my "Rhoades" peddal car. I'll get back out on it and continue the 3000 miles I've already put on it.

- Larry