I survived the Venice Marathon and it was certainly a case of mind over matter. Running this race was all about preparing and controlling the body and when the body said “no”, the mind pushed on. I haven’t quite come to any conclusions from this experience. It was amazing and I have never felt such a natural high and sense of accomplishment. It was a very solitary achievement but one that taught me many things about myself, about my strengths and weaknesses. I am much stronger than I thought.

Yes, I imagine marathon running is a lot like fasting from a chemical and psychological perspective. However, for now I am entirely unprepared to give up food and wine. That experience will have to wait.