In all my previous marathons, I ran alone. This is the first marathon in which I ran with someone else. This person was my cousin Peter who was running his very first marathon.
Thus for this marathon, I had an objective other than that of finishing the race myself. This other objective was to help Peter finish his race. I’ve always used the marathon race as a metaphor for life. Just as in life, helping others is important. And so I wanted to do just that for the marathon.
I was curious to know how it would be like to run with someone else. I discovered that it was more fun than I had thought. Throughout the race, Peter and I chitchatted and joked along the way.
These helped divert attention from the pain, aches and tiredness.
I was very impressed with my cousin’s determination. Even though he was struggling at times, he persevered. And a “veteran” runner like myself often had to struggle just to keep up with him, a first-time marathoner.
Talking about being a veteran, another first for me was competing in a marathon as a “veteran” runner. A “veteran” runner was anyone 40 or above. And I had turned 40 five months before the race. So here was I, a “veteran” runner. This label reminded me that I was getting “old”. But it is a label I hope to resist as much and as long as I can!
We finished the race in 6 hours and 15 minutes. But I didn’t care too much for the timing anyway. My two objectives were fulfilled. And as always, I thank God for Peter and for yet another marathon experience.
This was my 9th marathon. Just one more and it will be 10. But I am not sure if I can finish another one. I don’t know how much more my injured lower back can take it. We shall see… |
