I run because every expedition needs a leader...

Someone once asked me if I ever get bored. It struck me as an odd question. It was a question that was posed in the context of my half marathon training programs that effectively involve the same goal time and again. I suppose if I was making the same widget day in and day out, it would get maddeningly tedious. Fortunately, I don't make widgets.

When thinking about what I 'do' amazing, inspiring, and transcendent are adjectives that come to mind. So are infuriating, baffling, and bizarre. Amalgamate the aforementioned and you're looking at something decidedly NOT boring.

I struggle sometimes to explain what I do because I don't see myself as a personal trainer or a coach per se. Similarly, I don't see myself managing a running 'club'.

What I really do is lead expeditions....that involve running. I suppose this explains why I am such a fan of Shackleton who led some of the boldest expeditions ever.

Each expedition has its own distinctive energy and personality. So, even if the goal is effectively the same for every expedition (running 13.1 miles), the journey there is never the same.

A big part of what provides this energy and personality are the stories. The story of why someone joined. The story could have everything do with running or nothing to do with running.

People sometimes bring stories of grief and hardship. Maybe it's a breakup. Maybe it was the death of the loved one. Maybe it's a life threatening disease. They HAD to do something positive, to literally 'move forward'.

It's not surprising to me that someone confronted with questions about mortality would find themselves gravitating toward a life perpetuating and affirming act like running.

Others bring expectations of communion with others as friends or perhaps more. I would say many join me with the desire on some level or another to connect with others.

Whatever the story, it's my job to hear as many of them as I can. If I have any hope of being able to motivate someone to go that extra mile during difficult times, it starts with an understanding of their story and why they are there.

One thing Shackleton had a real knack for was understanding his crew, tuning into their moods, and responding accordingly. Somehow, some way he got the best out of his crew when things seemed most dire.

I'm no Shackleton, but I run because every expedition needs a leader.

Marathon Matt's Cyber Monday...

If you're looking to give yourself or someone else the gift of running in the coming year, I'm setting up a fun 'Cyber Monday' game that will give you an opportunity to potentially score some HUGE discounts off all of my programs in 2014!

Here's how it works-

1)'Like' the Marathon Matt page on Facebook BEFORE EOD SUNDAY, 12/1!

2)Starting Monday, 12/2 @ 9AM every hour on the hour until 4PM (8 total riddles), a running related 'riddle' will be posted on the Marathon Matt Facebook page.

A total of '8' riddles will be posted. The answer to any/all riddles IS a discount code and can be used to get a discount off ONE or possibly ALL programs scheduled for 2014.

3)Solve the riddle within an hour. A sample riddle-

'This runner once owned the American record between 2,000-10,000 meters. He was known as a bit of an iconoclast and took on the AAU. His performance at the 1972 Olympics in the 5,000 meters is considered one of the greatest of all time despite his fourth place finish. He died tragically in a car accident.' (ANSWER-PREFONTAINE).

4)Sign up for the program(s) of your choice and pass the discount code (the answer to the riddle) WITHIN THE HOUR!

The discount code (answer) associated with each riddle is ONLY valid for the lifespan of the riddle (one hour).

All of my programs for 2014 will be enabled for online registration on the Marathon Matt Facebook page.

There are individual tabs on the TOP of the Marathon Matt page with links to each program for 2014.

Simply click on the program tab you're interested in once you've solved the riddle, pass the discount code, register for as many programs as you like, and you're set!

*NOTE-YOU MUST SOLVE THE RIDDLE AND REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM(S) OF YOUR CHOICE BEFORE THE END OF THE HOUR ON WHICH THE RIDDLE WAS POSTED. IF THE RIDDLE WAS POSTED AT 10AM, YOU MUST SOLVE IT AND REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM(S) OF YOUR CHOICE BEFORE 11AM (WHEN THE NEXT RIDDLE WILL BE POSTED).

ALL REGISTRATION/TRANSACTION FEES ASSOCIATED WITH REGISTERING ONLINE WILL BE WAIVED FOR THE DURATION OF CYBER MONDAY!

The 99 Percent Discount

While the holiday season is often positioned as the happiest time of the year, for many it is a stressful, depressing, and lonely time. This is particularly the case for those who are unemployed or experiencing financial hardship.

The everyday stress of paying the rent (or mortgage), bills, and living expenses becomes more pronounced during the holidays. It's also a very difficult period of time for anyone who is unemployed as there generally isn't much hiring done during the holiday season.

Running is a natural anti-depressant. Running in the company of others provides a sense of community that may very well be lacking for those who are unemployed.

With this in mind, I'm extending a 99 percent discount ($1.50 versus $150) to 20 people interested in participating in my Touchdown 13.1 half marathon training program launching on Sat, 11/19 @ 9:30AM.

The baseline criteria for any interested party is they need to have been unemployed for a MINIMUM of 3 months.

Additionally, all applicants MUST be willing to post one blog entry a week talking about their experience training in the program.

Interested parties should send an email to 99PERCENT@MARATHONMATT.COM.

The subject line should indicate '99 percent discount applicant.' This email should include the following:

-A brief narrative describing(in 300 words or less) their current situation including how they feel training for a half marathon would improve their mood, spirits, etc.
-A resume
-A LinkedIn profile (if they have one)
-A professional reference who can be contacted via email or phone.

The deadline for submission is EOD 11/25. 20 people will be extended the 99 percent discount. Those selected will be contacted by EOD 11/27.