I agree about the Marathon. That has to be the greatest feeling, running into the stadium with all those people cheering. I watched Wanjiru win it for Kenya this year, and he was amazing. sub 5 minute pace for the whole thing, and then he full-on sprinted the last 200 yards.
But, back to reality... I don't think I would actually enjoy completing the full marathon. My event of choice, if I could win any event, would be the Triathlon. I would enjoy winning that race tactically, by drafting a little on the swim, picking some people off on the bike, and then passing the last few with a final all-out sprint at the end of the run.
Anything that uses a stop watch (requiring hundreth of a second resolution), not judged, except of course weightlifting. I wouldn't want someone to have to decide if I should win.
I have to agree with the Marathon. I still remember Frank Shorter's entrance into the stadium.
I used to run (back in the '70s and '80s) but only did 10K's and 5-milers. Never fast, but enjoyed the challenge of PB.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with type-II diabetes. started exercising again but can't run (I'm REALLY slow now!) so I started walking, found walker-friendly local marathon, and in February 2003 I completed the 26.2 miles in 6:59 (yeah, 6 Hours:59 minutes). Felt good to do it. I will not be doing another!!
I'd like to win the gold on the parallel bars with my father in the stands (he competed on the parallel bars - as I did in college), then go over to the swim venue and win the 400 free.
200 *** - LCM is the best time for some of us vertically challenged folks to hang with the long tall swimmer types. My first coach was Terry Gathercole who coached many talented swimmers in the breaststroke, and put up with me.
