So, I was running around the Garfield Park Lagoon the other day (eight times around both lagoons is ten miles). It was a grueling long run and I was hot and tired when I came upon a group of young boys. Can I call them young punks? Anyway, one of them yelled, "You go, old lady!" and they started laughing and singing the Rocky song, "Dah da dah...., dah da dah..." I doubt any of them will be running a marathon any time soon, but it doesn't matter. They're young and can't imagine ever being as old as me.
The sad reality is, many of them will not see age 53. Their lives are in danger every day. I am amazed by how many young men I see in wheelchairs around here. They are victims of urban warfare.
So, my aging body rounding the lagoon for the eighth time gave them a laugh. OK. I can take it. I actually get lots of encouragement and high fives. I feel a little like Akeelah in the movie, Akeelah and the Bee, when the community began to get involved in her success. If this old lady can run a marathon, maybe there's hope for change after all.
4 comments:
congrats on making the tenth mile!
you go girl! I am only 24 and I am having to train for a 39 mile walk (walk, not run) that is over 2 days. That is a peice of cake compared to what you're about to do. I couldn't even begin to do a marathon running in just one day! Regardless of age, that's a feat for anyone. It's not like you're old anyway! Kids don't know, they think 30 is old too!
You are only as old as you feel...you have the energy of a 30 year old, but with the wisdom of a sage!
I can't believe you walk that much. Good for U!
RUN Chris, not walk. By God's grace I will RUN this marathon!
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