Now fast forward to the year 1976 (when it was apparently widely accepted medical advice that running could make your uterus fall out). Women snuck onto marathon courses from that point forward. Women weren’t to be counted out entirely, however. A woman named Melpomene snuck onto the marathon route and finished an hour and a half behind the winner, but beat plenty of men who ran slower or dropped out. The first Olympic marathon was held in 1896 and it was open to men only. Here is her story… but first, starting way, way back: I got to thinking about the story of Kathrine Switzer that I had read about once or twice before, who really changed the history of running for all women, and how my story wouldn’t be possible without hers. Just thinking about it when I’m in a certain focused mood can give me the chills. A lot of race-day visualization, self-motivation, and reflection on all that I’ve done to train for this. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this week in lieu of running a lot of miles. Instead of telling you about my running this week, since it’s been what I’d call uneventful since it’s taper time, I’ll tell you what’s been on my mind.

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