I love running! This hasn’t always been the case. In fact, I quit playing basketball after my freshman year of high school because I hated all the running. After turning to volleyball, I discovered my passion for staying active and working hard physically to feel good about myself.

After playing volleyball my senior year, I was no longer in training for the next upcoming volleyball season and had less physical activity than I had in a long time. I ran every now and again, but didn’t enjoy it.

My freshman year of college, I ran off and on with a desire to have regularly-scheduled physical activity, but lacked transforming the desire into action. When I moved into my new apartment my sophomore year, I met a roommate who loved to run. One of our first conversations revolved around running and I was excited to have a running buddy.

That’s when it began. I learned about her marathons and began running more regularly. This is when I developed my passion for running.

As a proclaimed “runner,” I have yet to run a marathon but am planning to run one next spring. I have a regular schedule and enjoy my “long runs” every Saturday.

Digital Marathon Running
While sitting in class, I came across the "New York Times" with an article on “Running the Digital Marathon.” Apparently I’m a little behind the times. I usually run with my Discman in hand while I run past everyone and their iPods.

Not only are runners using iPods and MP3s, but are also turning to digital devices to track their running. Look out XBox and old school Nintendo…global positioning systems allow runners to maintain a constant pace. Runners can use a GPS system to make sure he or she is keeping pace with an imaginary rabbit. It’s gaming at its best!

Another technological advancement in marathon racing is the use cell phones. While many marathoners enjoy the upbeat music to remain motivated, others enjoy keeping in contact with friends to receive support and encouragement. Cell phones are also used as tracking devices. Subscribing to a GPS system through your cell phone allows marathoners to call friends who track their distance and speed via computer.

While new technological advances are being embraced by some, others don’t like the idea. The distraction and glitches may deter from the marathon and take away from the traditional marathon experience.

While the only technology competitive marathon runners can use is a stopwatch, non-competitive marathon runners have a variety of ways to keep themselves on pace and occupied while running.

No matter how you like to run, the important thing is that you are enjoying your time.