Marathon post
First of all, I’d like to say congratulations to our Wordsmifs’ friend Courtney for not only rocking her fourth marathon yesterday, but finishing it in personal record time. Team Courtney caught up with her at three separate spots during the course, and she had a big smile for us at every one. So, congrats again, Court! And thanks to Miranda for being our fearless leader!
It’s been many years since I’ve gone out to root on a friend/runner (frunner? friendunner?), and in retrospect, I had pretty much been a fair weather friend/supporter (frupporter). Meaning we gave said friend an encouraging, energetic send off and returned to sing her praises at the finish line, only after we had enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and did a little window shopping downtown. For shame!
I guess my point being is, I don’t think the whole marathon concept ever really sunk in until yesterday. I mean, yes, I have always been thoroughly impressed and amazed by this accomplishment. Even if you are willing and able to run a 5K, you are a superstar in my non-runner book, so 26.2 miles pretty much elevates you to god(dess) status. But until yesterday, I fear 26.2 was just a number apparently beyond my true comprehension.
I say this because as Courtney took off into the horizon at the 6 mile mark, we had many incredibly time consuming activities to attend to, and all the while she was just running.
As we sat down to have a “quick” breakfast, which lasted at least an hour and wasn’t technically “breakfast” as we had to leave before the food arrived, she was still running. North Coast Diner, why you hate the Marathon?!
As we made the trek to Kate’s car and then cabbed it to Anne’s car, she was running.
And as we slugged our way down Ashland to the Southside checkpoint, forced to take countless marathon detours and roundabout paths, yep. She was running. Help me! My pea brain can’t compute!
So, with all of this running around my brain (pun intended), I headed through the pedway this morning to get a coffee. With my newfound higher consciousness in tow, I began to notice so many people walking with a slight limp and many business suits with comfortable, Friday casual shoes. I started playing the “I bet they ran the marathon” game and would eavesdrop on their conversation for a moment to see if I was right. Currently I am 3-0!
Well, now that I’ve proven my marathon writing tendencies, I shall sign off.
Hope you’re doing ok today, Court! We’re proud of you!
3 Comments
- Anne replied:
I have to agree with all that - it was so inspiring!
October 23rd, 2006 at 4:10 pm. Permalink.
- Rozanne replied:
Very impressive!
It really does change your perspective to realize that some people can run nonstop for hours on end. Jeez!
Congrats to Courtney.
October 26th, 2006 at 10:44 am. Permalink.
- Courtney replied:
Thanks for the post, Collene!!! I am happy to say that my muscles are happily recovered and I can now go down the stairs without grasping the banister! I started running the marathon because I wanted to be part of something special where finishing was the reward…no one cares that I didn’t win…they just care because I accomplished a goal. Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer—for friends and for strangers. It made all the months of training worthwhile and very meaningful!!
October 26th, 2006 at 11:05 am. Permalink.
