Stogie Exclusive: I’m a Marathoner and a Cigar Enthusiast
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007When I tell people that I’m both a runner and a cigar enthusiast, I get some strange looks. Perhaps that isn’t too surprising, especially given the general public’s flawed perception that stogies are horribly dangerous and debilitating.
Activities people usually associate with cigars include drinking, golf, womanizing, pool, and other leisurely endeavors – certainly not running. But on Sunday, five years of novice running and four months of serious training paid off when I achieved my ultimate goal: completing Washington’s Marine Corps Marathon.
As you could imagine, I’m still really pumped (and still really sore). I wanted to share the following photos with you not in a prideful display of boasting, but rather as proof that cigar enthusiasts are completely capable of tackling one of the greatest challenges in athletics.
Just a few minutes before the starting gun, I’ve got my game face on at Runner’s Village by the Pentagon. It’s Eye of the Tiger time.
A terrific cheering section, composed of my parents and my girlfriend, helps me crack a smile circa mile 13. Only another 13.2 miles to go.
Exhausted and exhilarated, I look forward to lighting up a celebratory Punch Champion.
I would be remiss if I didn’t use this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this accomplishment possible. That list includes my parents, who flew in from Chicago; my girlfriend, who helped me take everything in stride; and several friends and family members, who sent along sports drinks, power bars, and their best wishes.
Tags: cigars
congrats ashby! hope your feeling better soon- i’ve found drinking alot helps.
My congrats as well. That’s quite an accomplishment, probably deserving of at least a couple of victory cigars.
Thanks for the congrats, guys. Drinking does help and, George, I completely agree with you.
Since I crossed the finish line I’ve had a Punch Champion (seemed fitting), a Ramon Allones Robusto (Cuban), and a Padilla Series ‘68 Robusto (review forthcoming).
Way to go! Reminds me of the article you guys did last year about the Samford Stogies Racing Team.
Congratulations, Patrick! Phenomenal achievement. I’ve always been curious… what’s the longest training run you went on before going the 26? I’ve read that marathoners don’t actually train anything approaching full distance, meaning that they have no idea how their body is going to respond past, say, 16 miles?
kevink868,
Before the marathon, the longest training run I completed was 18 miles. Before that I did about six 15-milers, and a bunch of 10-milers. It’s my understanding that you’re not supposed to run 26 before the race because of the severe toll it takes on your body.
I had no idea how I’d do after mile 18. Fortunately, I paced myself pretty well and was actually able to sprint the last half mile.
Remember that time you crapped your bed?
[...] - On October 30 we said you can smoke cigars and run marathons. [...]
[...] Of course, it’s possible to do all sorts of things while you’re smoking a cigar. But it’s difficult to multi-task and truly enjoy a cigar. Activities that complement the pleasure of the smoking experience include reading, good company, music, nice drinks, daydreaming, etc. Most wouldn’t enojy running, especially a marathon. [...]