Marathon
So when we left for Philly, I forgot my medicine at home so by this morning, I wasn't breathing all that well. Even so, when we got to the marathon, I felt the sudden urge to run long distances in cute hats that always comes over me watching the runners approaching the finish line. The marathon (although in some ways, a bad bad thing to do to your body) is such an amazing spectacle of the triumph of the human spirit over the limitations of our bodies. My asthmatic self spends the entire time imagining that I could train for it, make it past the limitation of my malfunctioning airways and soar through twenty-six point two miles, thumbing my nose at the asthma that has always dominated my physical life. Then I come to my senses, as I get out of breath walking to the car.
Still. Maybe someday I will do something that mad. This year, a very wonderful --and heretofore non-running -- friend trained for and ran the marathon. So amazing. What we can do when we decide to. Even all those people who should be home in arm chairs with lap rugs on. Who hobble rather than run across the finish line. The absolute triumph of the will. What we will do, we do.
Last year, I wanted to believe.
Still. Maybe someday I will do something that mad. This year, a very wonderful --and heretofore non-running -- friend trained for and ran the marathon. So amazing. What we can do when we decide to. Even all those people who should be home in arm chairs with lap rugs on. Who hobble rather than run across the finish line. The absolute triumph of the will. What we will do, we do.
Last year, I wanted to believe.
posted by Francesca Amendolia at 20:57
4 Comments:
Someone asked me today if I wanted to run a five mile race, with him and some others, this year.
I responded, "I don't run on concrete." I know, in my bones (the ones in my ankles and the ones in my knees) that I could never run a marathon if it were on city streets.
But I am not really a runner. I like the gigantic endorphin rush that comes upon me after I have run. But I can't quiet my mind while running, I find myself growing bored with the entire endeavor. So it isn't simply concrete which prevents me from running a marathon.
I'm also asthmatic so no marathons for me. No running either. I do find though that I can cycle long distances, as long as there are no major hills.
Did you know that Paula Radcliffe who recently won the New York city marathon is asthmatic?
For years I have wanted to do the 26.2 ... but life keeps getting in the way. The most I have managed is the half-marathon ... And that was some buzz!
Now you have me thinking ... what we wil do ....
And did you know that I think I might have to back-pedal on my comment that I won't be running anymore?!? I think I'm hooked, girlfriend! It's like a drug. But seeing you there was way too short and distracted. NJ marathon is May 4th - will you come wheeze for me there? :) Thinking of you this wild weekend. Maybe the full house will be a good change? Have some wine. . .
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home