E444 - The Goal Gradient Hypothesis

105.5.

That's how many laps you have to run around the first lane of a regulation outdoor track to cover the 26.2 miles of a marathon.

And, when I arrived at my local high school track last Friday at 4:45am, that was exactly what I planned to do.

I wish I had a thoughtful answer to the obvious "um, why?" this opener no doubt sparks in your mind.

The truth is that every now and then, I like to remind myself that I've still got that edge—that "dog" in...