Countdown to Gold Coast
A member of my running group, Jo Sherman, recently ran in the
Paris Marathon. When I read Jo's story it instilled in me the
reason why I am involved in this sport and the personal reward I
found for playing a small part in Jo's memorable day.
With less than 5 weeks to go until the Gold Coast Airport
Marathon, Asics Half Marathon and associated events I wish to
share Jo's story with you for it gives a true insight as to why
thousands of people will converge at the Gold Coast on July 4.
Vive le Marathon!
By Jo Sherman
It was,
without a doubt, the fourth best experience of my life!
The
inspirational Arc de Triomphe, glittering in the cold morning
haze. The timeless cobblestones of the
Champs Elysées shining like
silver under a drizzle of spring rain. The throbbing sea of
35,000 runners surging with anticipation. The pulsing rhythm of
a youth culture rock band. The animated media commentators
competing with each other amidst a frenzy of flashing cameras.
The buzzing of spectators, their faces anxious, excited, proud
as they craned their necks to catch a final glimpse of their
loved ones amidst the sea of anonymous hopefuls.
The lead
vehicle pulled away with a flurry of hot exhaust. The official
starter, his face wild with excitement, blurted out a stream of
incomprehensible French babble, the crowd whistled and whooped,
the gun exploded and the floodgates were opened.
As the gun fired
the rain stopped
At that
instant, the drizzle suddenly subsided, the sky cleared and
there appeared to be, for only a split second, complete silence
as a golden ray of sunshine struck the Arc de Triomphe.
Inspirational
Stuff !!
We were off!
The 2004 Paris Marathon had begun.
After this
exhilarating built up, how could I possibly "take the first
few kilometres easy" as every runner knows they must? The
race plan that had been firmly ingrained in my conscience was
suddenly whipped out, torn up and thrown into the air like
confetti.
It felt so easy
Even trying
desperately to be conservative, to hold back, take it slow, I
managed to click over my first kilometre right on 4 minute
pace. Heck! It felt so easy. I was sure it would be about
4:45. So effortless! The sea of excited competitors just
carried me along, gliding across the cobblestones. Is this
good? I reflected. No, of course it's not good. Slow Jo
Slow. What are you doing? Second km clocked 8:09 - Jeez!
Don't blow it. Slow right down! Got through the first 5 k
in about 20mins40 - way too quick!
Page 1 |
Next
| 3
| 4
| 5
[
Back to Top ]
|
