I have an acquaintance who ran Comrades marathon last year. Marathon seems like a wimpy word for the magnitude of the race, though.
The "L" thing - it happens to everyone - even people with families in the next room. It's a pretty universal existential angst.
((hug)) If we were closer than half way around the globe I'd call you
My cats rescue me from that a lot. If I spend 30 seconds stroking them and telling them I'm grateful they are living their lives with me, I usually feel much more connected to life.
Early-on in sobriety I heard someone say they, "pet the fur off the cat and feel much better."
TV is good, too!