If you took walking breaks in a marathon, did you really run the event?

     This question arises periodically here, and seldom fails to stir
emotions to the flame level. I believe the misunderstanding stems from the
fact that the "marathon" is really 2 different events. One of them
is to cover the 26.2 mile distance without undue assistance. Period. The
time is immaterial. (Within reason. In practise, one must still cover the
distance in a reasonable amount of time.) In this event, walking breaks are
a proven successful strategy. This was the event most first-timers were really
signing up for, whether they realized it or not. It is a laudable, worthwhile,
and not at all easy, event. 

     The other might be described this way: given that you _can_ cover the
26.2 mile distance, do so in minimum time.  Here, depending on  one's fitness,
it is still debatable whether walking breaks are a good idea. But the
results of the best runners clearly argue that continuous running, with
perhaps very brief water stops, at the fastest pace one can maintain for the
entire distance, is the best way to win the event. Inasmuch as those of us
who are competitive try to emulate the best, we would be well advised to
train hard in order to lower the pace we can sustain.

     Few people are as compulsive as I, but I actually value the quality
of "uninteruptedness" in some of my weekly runs. Perhaps it is because at 
least two runs a week involve some sort of interval -- three, counting a long
run this time of year with water breaks -- that I want at least two others
to be completely uninterrupted. I make sure my laces are well tied before I
start, and I gauge traffic patterns for gaps as I approach intersections. Of
course, I will stop if someone slows for directions, but afterwards I will
feel slightly dissatisfied with the run.

    I believe that if I am going to race a distance, 10K say, then I need to
engrave an image of that distance in my brain somehow. My brain can only
learn from what my body sends it; and my body can only experience the 10K
distance by running it uninterruptedly. 

    But again, few are as compulsive as I am.