Sunday October 7th I will participate in my 4th consecutive Chicago Marathon, I would say “run” but we have dealt with the improper use of that adjective multiple times and I will not repeat that story now. My goal is to be only 3 ½ hours slower than the winner, only about an hour and half behind my brother and oldest son. I pray to not get beaten by a pregnant woman as almost happened last year.
Why endure a 26.2 mile race when I know the best I can do is simply finish and hopefully not finish in last place, a feat which one son has accomplished (2009 my second son is listed in the record book as the last official male finisher). Why does a white, old, slow, not as fat as he used to be, guy participate in an athletic event meant for young, thin, fast, guys from Ethiopia?
I never was the star athlete, so I am used to coming in near the back of the pack, wasn’t the star football or basketball player, was the last place finisher on our cross country team more than a few times. Why participate in an event that taxes the body, soul, and mind to the point of exhaustion when there will be no glory in it? No prize money, no front page sports section story. For me just a finisher’s medal one like 45,000 others, some worn out shoes, maybe a loose toenail or two, plus a sweat drenched and painfully blooded shirt.
When I participate in the Chicago Marathon I am reminded that struggles and hardships can be endured, particularly when you participate with others. I am reminded that when I am in some difficulty I don’t have to give up, I may have to change my pace or my goal but I don’t have to give up. I am reminded that in difficulty I can still cheerfully encourage those near me and spur them on. I am reminded that strangers are many times my source of aid and refreshment. I am reminded with each mile that life is not always easy and fast, but for some participants it is slow and grueling.
I have also learned that no matter how small your goal may seem to others, improving and bettering yourself is a worthy goal. When I cross the finish line I will have accomplished something I thought I could never do, and not only have I finished but Sunday Oct 7th 2012 I expect to have done it 4 times.
Right now I set here excited to be facing a challenge and I love that feeling. I wonder what life would be like if I learned to face all struggles with the same excitement, rather than fear or dread.
Oh, I am also reminded that in life, just like the marathon, you should serve beer, celebrate its end, and be able to say “What a race!”
David
