No, Deborah Ladd doesn't like to run all that much, so why is she writing a column in praise of running, and sports in general? "Sometimes I wonder why I do three sports a year," she writes, "but every time I improve myself or see a look of pride on my coach's face, I remember."

Last weekend many endured the scorching temperatures and sweltering humidity, including those who were trying to complete the Chicago Marathon. The marathon was eventually called off due to the weather but not before a Michigan man died. Staff writer Jack Snyder describes his own experience in Chi-town helping his dad complete the 26.2-mile race. Along the way, he talks about what attracts people to marathoning in general and this race in particular.