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| Jordan and Jacob cheering for friend Colman |
It was a beautiful
day for a marathon—sunny and clear and bright, temperature low enough to keep
runners comfortable, cold enough to make spectators chilly. We sat on the front
porch as the first runners came by. Jordan and I missed the very first one
because she had come to the cottage to get me, but I suspect it was the
gentleman from Kenya and though I’ve heard no results, I suspect he was the winner.
As we explained to Jacob, only a handful run with any hope of winning. Most run
against themselves, hoping to beat their time.
But those first
few to lead the pack are wonderful to watch. Obviously seasoned, whether
professional runners or not, they move with confidence, erect with long
strides, art in motion. A few, knowing what weather does to runners, were
bare-chested which made me feel cold, and most were lightly dressed. By the end
of 26.5 miles, a T-shirt can be a hot burden. We also had fun watching the
outfits as well as the runners.
Sooner than I
expected came a few walkers—I’m quite sure they didn’t come from the starting line.
And then people whose form was less skilled, less practiced. A clue to those
who didn’t expect to win or even finish—they were often as bundled against the
cold as I was.
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| Colman's cheering group at Mile 18 |
Christian reported
lots of closed streets and obstacles on his way to take Jacob to Sunday school.
That put his morning schedule behind, and we were late to church. Though by shortly
before eleven, the flow of runners had slowed. Still policemen were at almost
every intersection. We barely made it into the church during the opening hymn
and were greeted by a relieved look on Jacob’s face—he’d been saving seats.
Our minister had
led a pre-race worship service at the coliseum for the runners, and he talked
about that, about the spiritual nature of running, and asked us to pray for the
runners. Christian has not been around running culture as Jordan and I have,
and he was baffled that Jordan is so interested in the race each year. I think
it goes back to her childhood and is strengthened by the fact that both her
brothers are runners. For me, as I wrote last night, it is a link to happy
memories. And I know just enough to admire the dedication and commitment of the
runners.
Tonight, the
Oscars. It seems an ironic leap in a way that I don’t know that I can explain.
But it’s like polar opposites in our culture—the one a test of yourself and
your accomplishments, done with physical strength; the other, an admiration of
the accomplishment of others, done with lots of technology and money. I know I
sound judgmental, but one seems real to me and the other artificial. Then
again, I’m not a movie fan.
The highlight of
tonight: salmon with anchovy butter and a tossed salad.
A good day.
