Deena Kastor completed the 2010 London Marathon, a race she won in 2006, in a disappointing (for her) 2:36. She had many issues, including travel problems due to the Iceland volcano and allergic reactions during the race for unknown reasons. But, she continued on, vowing not to drop out. Deena dropped out of the 2008 Olympic race, but I guess if you break a bone in your foot during the race that is an okay race to call it a day! She didn't want another dnf.
The following quote is one reason Deena is an all time favorite racer of mine.
"Although disappointed, Kastor chose to take a philosophical approach to today's setback. The marathon, she agreed, is a monster which can never be fully tamed.
"I think that's why we come back to the marathon over, and over, and over again because we feel like just tweak something in our training, or change our race strategy that we can get there a little more brilliantly the next time. It keeps us coming back."
The marathon is a monster that can leave you maimed.
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