by
Mark Jimenez
Almost 30 years ago, on February 13, 1997, Friends aired an episode that would give us one of the most memorable lines in sitcom history.
“WE WERE ON A BREAK!”
Ross and Rachel’s relationship was falling apart. Rachel suggested taking a break, Ross ended up in bed with another woman, and an argument was born that would last the rest of the series.
Nearly 30 years later, I find myself in a similar situation.
Except my relationship isn’t with Rachel.
It’s with marathons.
As I write this, I’m about 24 hours removed from finishing my 6th World Major in New York City. I have now completed the original 6 majors in the following order: Boston 2022, Boston 2023, Chicago 2023, Tokyo 2025, London 2025, Boston 2026, Berlin 2026, and New York 2026.
I used to run a lot of marathons every year. In the last 2 years I’ve run 3 marathons each year. You know what? It’s kind of taken over my life.
So I think it’s time that marathons and I took a break.
It’s not you, marathons, it’s me.
Look, we’ve been together a long time. In the last two years we’ve done 6 marathons together! We traveled to Tokyo, London, and Berlin! We ran in New York City yesterday. We did the Boston Marathon (again). Come on marathons, we did 3 majors in one year this year! Not a lot of people can say that. While Rick and Ilsa will always have Paris, we’ll always have 3 majors in a year.
But it’s time. You have to see that.
Let’s talk about my performance. We both know it’s not what it used to be. Remember when I could give you those low three hour marathons? When we could spend a little over three hours together and I’d still have enough energy to enjoy the rest of my day? Those days are gone, baby. It’s not that I don’t want to perform. I just can’t keep up with your expectations anymore.
Let me ask you something? When’s the last time I was able to go out of town with you and not have to see my wife on the side? It’s like I’m cheating on you with my wife when we go out to dinner while I’m technically on a trip for you. That’s a little awkward, don’t you think? Every trip I’ve had in the last few years has involved you.
London 2025
That’s the part that bothers me the most. Somewhere along the way I stopped planning trips and started planning marathons. The vacations become something we squeezed in around the race. I love you, marathons, but I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to travel somewhere without you.
And look, being with you hurts way more than it used to. Remember when we could be together for a little over 3 hours and then I could be on my way the rest of the day? I can’t do that anymore. Now it hurts to move for the next week. After being with you I can’t even sleep well because every time I roll over it hurts.
You’re smothering me.
There, I said it.
So maybe we should take a break.
Hey don’t cry. It’s not so bad. I’m still going to be on my run streak. I’m not giving up running, I’m just taking a break from marathons.
I’m sure I’ll still flirt with you a little bit. Maybe when the Vegas Marathon comes to town I’ll get FOMO and we can talk about it. Maybe we’ll be part of a Hallmark Christmas Movie where I’m able to fall in love with marathons all over again.
Tokyo 2025
Until then, maybe it’s time we took a break.
Don’t get sad if you see me with 5k or 10k or even Half Marathon.
You’ll always have my heart. We’ll always have Boston, Berlin, and New York in one year. We’ll always have a hotel room so small in Tokyo my luggage almost wouldn’t fit. We’ll have a hot and humid London day while we cross the River Thames. We’ll have a fast major in Chicago on the same day Kelvin Kiptum set what was then a world record. We’ll have Boston 3 times. Three times! And we’ll always have New York. The crowds. The Bridges. The finish line in Central Park where I cried like a baby when I realized we’d finally completed all six majors. Every time I hear Frank Sinatra tell me to start spreadin the news, or Jay-Z and Alicia Keys tell me about an Empire State of Mind I’m going to think of my last run with you.
6 Fingers – 6 Majors
Not a bad way to end things, is it, marathons?
Please don’t remind me. I know I’m already signed up for Chicago again in 2027. You don’t have to throw that in my face.
But honestly, baby, I don’t know if I have the energy in me. Remember how fast we were the last time we were together in Chicago? I don’t know if I can do that again.
So let’s take a break.
And if you see me running Chicago in 2027, don’t judge me.
WE WERE ON A BREAK!
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Every Run is a Good Run