Marathon Man

Narrator: Running the bike lane of the freeway. Occasionally, the view is breathtaking.

Marathon runner Jerry: Running along the ocean I can feel like I'm just, you know, part of the planet and meant to be doing what I'm doing- just cruising along.

Narrator: The number eleven on his chest is for how many days this year he's run 26.2 miles, a marathon.

Marathon runner Jerry: I currently hold the record for the most marathons run in one year, which is one hundred and four. I did that in 1993, and this year I'm attempting to run two hundred marathon distances in the year 2000.

Narrator: His pace is steady: four hours, forty-five minutes.

Marathon runner Jerry: I'm kind of like a machine, you turn me on and set me at ten minutes per mile and I just go all day. A lot of carbs, a lot of protein, a lot of rest, and a lot of liquid. I am a recovered alcoholic and running has become my substitute addiction, which is actually taken me to a lot of places, helped me get my life turned around.

Narrator: Endlessly pounding the pavement, it's punishing, but does he enjoy it?

Marathon runner Jerry: It's kind of a childlike activity, running is, and I've been accused of never having grown-up so I'm just having a good time. Primarily, I want to challenge everybody in America to get healthy and get fit.

Narrator: And if you see Jerry in your rear-view mirror...

Marathon runner Jerry: Wave and say "Hello, Jerry" or just something, but, or bring me a doughnut or a cup of coffee. Whatever.

Narrator: A doughnut sounds good. Every sacrifice has to have its reward.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.