It’s more the circumstances of the race that make this race potentionally a big chore. First of all it’s in SF AND the bridge connecting me to the race is under repair. Yeah, I know it’s a bigger bummer for those 50,000 that have to change their commute to get to work, but I have to leave my house at 5am to make it to the start line.
The other bad timing factor is that I got sick last night. Probably the swine flu – since I work around sick people all the time it’s very possible – I shoulda got that shot. No matter, Unless I wake up tomorrow and can’t walk i’m still running. THis is one of those “test of will” runs – overcoming the elements, the unforseen, the outside forces, yourself.
One of the most amazing sports documentaries I have ever seen is of John Stephen Ahkwari- in the 1968 Olympics he was the very last runner to finish the marathon in total darkness. Bloody and bandaged – falling over as he stumbled the last miles – he never gave up. His famous quote when asked why did you keep going?, “my country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race, they sent me to finish it.” I remember seeing the footage as a kid…so damn inspiring.
I think another reason why I want to run – to experience a moment of pushing myself and not quitting. Accomplishing something I wasn’t sure I could. If I start faltering in the race, I’ll pretend I’m John Stephen Ahkwari and drag my ass across that finish line.
My quote. “I didn’t pay $65 dollars to start the race, I wanted that shirt”. yeah, not so inspiring.
