It was during this race that I began to think about running a marathon together almost as a metaphor for going through life together. We started in the same block, and had to wait for a lot of slow runners - we weaved in and out of these slow runners, but always made sure that we were still together. I broke a strap on my backpack before kilometer 1. Paul and I pulled over to the side together to fix it. We then started off again. Before we knew it we were already at kilometer 15. It was another water stop, and while I carry my own water, Paul wanted to pull to the side to grab a cup. I drank some water and walked along the far side away from the water. When I turned back I couldn't see Paul anywhere. I started to job ahead, but still couldn't see him. After about 2 kilometers of fast race running, Paul was nowhere to be seen. I decided he was either waiting for me at the water stop or behind me. So even though I was running a marathon, I turned around. I ran back down the path I had came, looking for Paul. When I was all the way back to the water stop the runners were thinning out, and still I did not see him. So I decided to run the correct way and just keep going. I easily passed all the slower runners and returned to the spot I had been running before (near the boys in the pink tutus!). I ran for 10km alone, enjoying the bands, DJs that had pimped out cars, and interesting runners. Then, I spotted Paul way ahead of me. I sprinted to catch up, afraid to lose him again.
It turns out that Paul had thought I had gone ahead of him, so he had continued running to catch up with me. Despite our brief separation, we had both been looking for each other. We finished the last 17K together. I shared my food, Paul waited while I made a pit-stop, we didn't talk much but we supported each other just by being there. We finally crossed the finish line, together, as it should be. It wasn't our best time, but no one got injured and neither of us were particularly sore.
After the race, we decided to sign up for the Lausanne half marathon on October 30th. The race started in the afternoon, and we all got suited up and headed to La-Tour-de-la-Pelize where the race started. The train was packed and they had asked us to arrive an hour early - not like there is anything to do an hour before a race. So we took pictures, lounged around on the grass, used the toilets multiple times, and finally were able to get into our starting blocs. Paul and I chatted while we waited and slowly moved toward the starting line. When our bloc began, both Paul and I were feeling a little tired and sore. I eventually warmed up, but Paul still had pain. I slowed down to run with him even though I wanted to sprint ahead. I thought to myself that it doesn't matter the speed you go through life - it ends either way - but it's better to be with someone than alone. So we jogged along taking in the beautiful scenery. I was composing a blog in my head, thinking about how important it is to stick together, but also sometimes to go alone. And when you do go alone (like when I ran the Geneva marathon), then it is important to have your partner cheering for you on the sidelines, supporting you. Just like in life sometimes you have to do things alone, and it is much better to have support while you do.
Then, about kilometer 4, disaster struck. Paul started limping, and eventually couldn't run anymore. He had severe pain in his calf. Despite trying to run several times, he just couldn't. I didn't want him to get hurt more so I said I'd rather walk with him. After several minutes he told me to go on and finish the race alone. But I didn't want to - I wanted to stay with Paul while he was injured. After a few minutes more of insisting, I gave him a few kisses and ran on. Then all the thoughts of "You never leave a man behind" disappeared from my head. I guess a race is not like life all the time. You've paid $50, so if you can you might as well finish. The other person will get picked up by the bus at the end and make it back too. As long as we tried to stay together, that is the important part.
And now the weather is turning colder a we are looking more towards a season of snowboarding than running - which is okay with me. Because, if you think about it, snowboarding it a bit like life... :)
I love this post. I think it's great that you are such a caring person and keep important people so close to you. You do that with your friends as well :)
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