Rite of Spring
January Flower seen today in my yard. “Bae yeak gul bahear namesaewaed”
Now that winter has abated in South Carolina, we can look forward to the impending vernal equinox. It’s time for milder weather (it was a frosty 65 yesterday), Stravinsky tunes, cleaning out the closets, and of course the Boston Marathon.
sigh.
Kind readers, I am determined to line up at Hopkinton this summer (April 21st qualifies as summer here). To this end, I’ll soon run the dreaded Myrtle Beach Marathon. On February 16th, I’ll inhale vast quantities of automobile exhaust during the mind-numbing five mile stretch on Kings Highway. At least it will be flat.
I can only hope that Richard Gere will summon enough positive mental energy to propel me to a sub-3:15, though he may need to be convinced that my goals are somehow linked to those of Tibetan independence.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m ready to run. But trepidation always creeps in before a big race. While watching SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON last week, I was comforted to see that Deena Kastor expressed noticeable anxiety before the 2005 Chicago Marathon.
She won.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
My friend Jane went to high school with Deena! I’m glad you knew about that movie.I meant to tell you about it but, I mean to do a lot of things.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Deena is ridiculous.
Put it this way. Somewhere, RIGHT NOW, Deena is training harder than you’ve ever imagined.
After watching Deena in SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON, I realize that I have absolutely no concept of true commitment.
– Dean
February 1st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Dean, Richard and I missed you guys today. The river run seemed a lot longer without you there reviewing movies, commenting on how inferior you are to Deena, and all the other stuff you talk about to keep us mere mortals entertained while plodding along. Enjoy the trails this weekend, and I feel sure you’ll qualify at MB then you’ll really be our hero!
Have a good weekend.
Ed
February 1st, 2008 at 3:45 pm
My life is but to serve.
– D
February 11th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Dean –
Good luck @MB! I’m headed down Friday afternoon.
Hopefully, I won’t be more than 45 minutes behind you. See you at the finish line (if you feel like hanging around for an hour or so)….
Joe
February 11th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
If I qualify, I’ll stick around and I’ll be hard to miss.
– D
February 14th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Dean: I’ll be channeling you on your BQ attempt Sat. in hopes of propelling you below 3:20 or 3:15 or whatever. Just remember to ignore that little voice in your head at the 20 mile mark that is begging you to slow down or quit! Remember all those training miles instead. Good luck!
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 am
i just saw this last night – and yes, i was happy to see that even the elite runners get nervous!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 am
I’ve come to embrace anxiety. It’s a part of the equation, like freaking out at a scary movie. It’s part of what you pay for.
– Dean