MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Running his first marathon isn’t the only significant thing about Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Farmer’s plans this weekend. He will also be running in his grandfather’s shoes, figuratively, that is.
As a preparation run, the religious program specialist bounded off the barracks steps and onto the Marine Corps Base Quantico sidewalk, beginning the first 18-mile run he had ever attempted. This was to be one of the last training runs Farmer tackled before running his first 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 27, 2013.
“This is a great place for first-time marathon runners,” said Tami Faram, Marine Corps Marathon public relations coordinator. “Compared to other marathons, it’s one of the best suited to runners of different abilities.”
Farmer has his own ideas about the event.
“It’s intimidating,” said Farmer, half-smiling. “The first guy who ran a marathon died right afterwards.”
The 22 year old isn’t wrong about his history. The writings of Herodotus, ancient Greek historian, tell the story of Pheidippides, an Atheninan courier (530 BC–490 BC), who died after running 25 miles to give war news. What Farmer didn’t mention was that the ancient runner had also run 150 miles two days before.
Despite the morbid marathon history, Farmer found motivation for challenging himself with the lengthy run.
“I had a grandfather who ran marathons his whole life,” said Farmer. “His basement wall was lined with medals from the marathons he ran. I want to know the satisfaction you feel after running 26.2 miles. I want to look back able to say, ‘I did this.’”
Those who know Farmer say they don’t doubt his success.
“He is dedicated to his work,” said Navy Petty Officer First Class Joseph Jedding, Farmer’s co-worker. “He carries out what he sets his mind to.”
Having only run consistently for a year, Farmer acknowledges the challenges that come with running a marathon, but has shown his determination with his dedication in marathon preparation.
“I alternate between long-distance runs and runs that challenge more specific muscle groups as opposed to strictly stamina training,” said the Tennessee native. “I’ve been trying to keep to a dynamic workout to prepare for it.”
The sailor also gave advice to those who aren’t confident about running a marathon.
“It’s only when we let go of who we are, that we become who we are going to be,” said Farmer. “You can tell yourself over and over again, I could never run a marathon, but with that attitude you’re not going to.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil