The survival of all 33 Chilean miners is remarkable, but of all the sub-stories surfacing from the mine, Edison Pena‘s running regimen could be the most remarkable.
According to The New York Times, Pena ran three to six miles every day within the half-mile of tunnels the miners lived in underground.
Pena, 34, even listened to Elvis Presley on his iPod while he ran to keep in shape. And while his training may seem crazy, running may have been the very activity that kept him sane.
Anecdotal evidence says that running decreases anxiety and depression — two possible issues the miners faced and might have to deal with in the aftermath. Running also releases endorphins known as the “runner’s high,” which must have helped Pena’s mood during the harsh period separated from the world.
In recognition of Pena’s running, the New York Road Runners has invited Pena to the New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, either as a guest or runner, whichever he chooses.
“We want to celebrate him here in New York City on the biggest weekend in running, as he seems to represent the very essence and best of the runner spirit,” Mary Wittenberg, the chief executive of New York Road Runners, told the Times. “He has taken the phrase ‘runner for life’ to a whole new level.”
Some people find it hard to get out the house and take a jog, but Pena’s story serves as an inspiration and motivation to put on some sneakers and hit the ground running.
