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“I Nearly Die”: Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals an Eternal Hatred for Marathons

Published 02/28/2024, 7:50 AM EST

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In the realm of NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a legend famed for his prowess on the track. However, amidst the roar of engines and the thrill of victory, there’s an unexpected twist to Dale Jr.’s story—a profound distaste for marathons.

Revealed candidly on his podcast, Dale Jr bared his soul, expressing a deep-seated aversion to the endurance sport. Instead, he found solace and joy in an activity far removed from the pavement: biking. This revelation offered a glimpse into the multifaceted persona of a racing icon, inviting fans to explore the unexpected aspects of their hero’s life.

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s passion for biking

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During an episode of the Dale Jr. Download, a fan named Bart posed an intriguing question out of the moon. He asked if Dale Jr would ever consider running a half marathon. The veteran promptly chuckled at the notion, dismissing it outright. “No, not a chance,” he replied, revealing his aversion to running. “I can’t run two miles. I gotta stop and walk a little bit.” He humorously suggested breaking it into two-mile increments, akin to his mindset during races. At 49 years old, Dale Jr. reflected on his fitness journey, admitting to becoming lazier over time. 

“Hey, I’m not in peak physical condition these days,” affirmed Dale.

Despite logging 2400 biking miles in last year, he now rides less frequently, citing laziness. Running, he explained, leaves him sore and fatigued, unlike biking, which rejuvenates him.“I never loved running, hated running. Yeah. And I get sore all over from running,” he exclaimed.

While he could sprint a mile if needed, the idea of running leaves him feeling nearly exhausted. Thus, Dale Jr. favors biking over running, a sentiment he expressed with humor and candor during the podcast.

As he put it, “If somebody said, ‘Hey man, we’re gonna jump up and run a mile’. I could do it. Okay, fast as hell. I’d be I almost, but I nearly die, at the end of it.”

While Bart asked an interesting question for sure, there was another query that took the cake. This time a fan wanted to know what’s the strangest place the driver has been recognized. And the answer Dale Jr said further cemented his humble figure to the racing community.

Unveiling Dale Jr.’s Mundane Fame: A Quest for Recognition in Ordinary Spaces

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In a revealing segment of the podcast, Dale Jr. was posed with an intriguing question. Pondering over the query about a weird place he’s been recognized, Dale Jr. drew a blank, admitting, “I don’t know the strangest.” He humorously recalled previous discussions on the podcast, referencing a hot tub story from last year. Attempting to recollect unique encounters, he mused, “I’m trying to put myself in a weird space.” Despite his efforts, Dale Jr concluded that his life is rather ordinary, stating, “I’m never in a strange place.”

However, he also acknowledged the impact of international recognition and fans’ dedication to NASCAR, particularly those from outside the country. With humility, he reflected on encounters with fans abroad, recognizing their unwavering dedication and passion for the sport despite geographical barriers. “When we go overseas or out of the country,” he reflected, “and somebody’s like, ‘Yeah, man, I’m a big NASCAR fan’, it’s a reminder of how big the sport can be.” 

Dale’s sincere answer also stretched to appreciating fans’ distinct opinions and experiences and recognizing their critical role in establishing NASCAR’s lively community. “I want to hear your point of view from your perspective,” he asserted, emphasizing his eagerness to engage with fans and celebrate their shared love for racing. Through these interactions, Dale Jr. not only celebrated NASCAR’s global appeal but also reaffirmed the profound connection between drivers and fans, transcending borders.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s admission of an aversion to marathons provided fans with an honest look into his life outside of the racetrack, highlighting his approachable peculiarities and real interests. Dale Jr.’s genuine comments continue to enchant audiences, bridging the gap between a NASCAR star and a regular fan.

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Written by:

Susamay Dey

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Susamay Dey is a NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports. Combining his passion for writing and motorsports, he has gone on to pen down numerous articles on Stock Car Racing's fan favorites, like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace. While his strength lies in Core Sport reporting, he can also cover lifestyle pieces, enlightening fans about the lesser-known facts about NASCAR stars and their personal lives.
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Edited by:

Ariva Debnath