It was all done in the spirit of irony - run a marathon sponsored by a major corporate chain that sells donuts.
On Sunday morning, I anxiously awoke with the thought that today I would set out to do something amazing. For the past few months I had trained - running every other day for three to five miles, on Saturday or Sunday putting in ten to twelve. After a cold autmnal rain, the morning broke with unseasonably warm temperatures. Seeking nourishment before the ordeal, I forced down a bagel and protein bar. My running compatriots soon descended the stairs to join me in preparation for our long morning jog. Spirits were high - All the single ladies sang supportive notes and we were off. As we drove along route 28 to Falmouth, the sight of a broken old, bewildered, beaten dog languishing by the side of the road sent an ominous hush among us. Christian slayed the evil augury by declaring, "I'm going to ride that dog across the finish line!" Humor shattered the looking glass of fear that stared us all back in the face. We laughed at our self doubt. We were out to enjoy a leisurely jaunt across the bucolic scenery of Cape Cod - swatches of brillant orange, yellow, and red foliage. Cheers from the ocean waves crashing on the brown flaked beaches. Glorious sights one can't even strain to see through the urban decay of New York or Philadelphia. An older white woman, dressed in sophisticated garb serenaded the flock of fleet footed fools as the cannon roared to signal the start of the 32nd Annual Dunkin' Donuts Cape Cod Marathon.
I ran - at a jogging pace - 26.2 miles. It was difficult. There were a lot of hills. It was beautiful. A warm sun shone brightly in the New England sky highlighting all the best that nature and the Cape had to offer. I had fun - despite the lack of coffee and donuts along the course.
Thank you Steven, Christian, and Ana!
The drive home from Mashpee to Narberth was much more painful - 8 hours of stop and go traffic in a steady drizzle. We made it.
Thank you Julie!
You did great, baby. I was so proud of my runners. You run so naturally and so persistently that it makes marathoning look easy--almost easy enough for me to attempt, until I think it through. Thanks for giving us an excuse to hang out in Cape Cod with Steve and Michael!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I think you will have a much better chance getting me on a surf board than running a marathon. Wishing you and Julie a great thanksgiving!
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