And in 1999, after a nine-year hiatus, Rodgers again competed in the Marathon, trying to set a course record for American men over 50. He had to drop out after 20 miles, near Heartbreak Hill. But he is getting the itch to run Boston again maybe even next year. I think I have a bit of an addictive personality. Rodgers addiction is not uncommon.
Many people start running and can t stop.
Besides the benefits of weight control, runners build muscle, improve bone density and keep their hearts healthy. Michael Pieroni, head coach of the Boston Athletic Association Running Club, said runners like the essence of the sport. In the end, those who run the Marathon get to claim it as a badge of honor, he said. In Genovese s club, about 30 of the 210 members run the Marathon. He said people get inspired to push themselves beyond their regular exercise routine when they watch events like the Boston Marathon and the Olympics.