Studying for his MBA at Western Governors’ University, Devon Berry is the outgoing Executive Associate Dean of the School of Nursing at OHSU and a PhD-prepared nurse. With a background in mental health research and practice, Berry considers self-care an important aspect of everyone’s life. One way Berry cares for himself is by running for exercise. He is currently training for the Portland Marathon.
For runners, the marathon holds a special place in the broad range of races available today. While there are almost 600 marathons held every year in the United States, according to marathontrainingschedule.com, very few Americans have actually completed these races. In fact, as few as one-half of one percent have run a marathon. Coming in at 26.2 miles, a marathon is a challenging endeavor. The largest Marathon in the U.S. is the New York City Marathon.
Most are not aware that the word “marathon” actually comes from the name of an ancient Greek town, according to livescience.com. Apparently, a soldier named Pheidippides, who ran 25 miles or so to let the Athenians know that the Persians had been defeated. Unfortunately, Pheidippides was not in great shape and actually died after delivering his message. The first marathon races were held to commemorate this soldier’s run.
Devon Berry 