Pain, struggle, effort, determination: what is the story of this one guy running a marathon in the rain.
Susan says, “Running a marathon (which I never have I am quick to point out) is a life changing event for most first timers. I think we are seeing raw emotion here as this fellow, no longer a youngster, soaked to the skin by a cold and relentless rain, runs past an uninspiring construction site, ignored by fans, cheeks puffed in pain. He is digging deep. A friend who walked this marathon said there is no wall that she hit and passed through. Her experience was of one a never-ending wall of pain and growing despair that she would never reach the finish. She did and I would bet this guy did too. How is it that giving up becomes worse than enduring the pain? What does that internal conversation sound like? I’d like to know. I’d like to hear this story. We all have stories that tell of significant moments that may be disguised as a run in the rain.”
Lucia says, “I was in the support group for the marathon walker Susan mentioned. It was cold and wet. The sideways rain was relentless. I watched people run and walk by – many struggling in real pain, others trotting along as if on a pleasant jaunt. I marveled at the endurance and the sheer will of each marathoner. What makes someone decide to undertake something so grueling? Think about it. It’s more than just the day of the marathon. Months of training goes into the preparation for the day. And then the day come and it’s cold and wet or roasting hot. No matter, the participant does it. The stories behind each marathoner may be as diverse as you can imagine, but it’s that determination that is the common thread. That is what I saw on all the faces of the people running or walking by as I stood there in the rain.”
