TheBanyanTree: it's just numbers

[Roger Pye]

I've never run a marathon or even a half one but I ran plenty of five 
milers when I did my air force rookie training in Shropshire England in 
1958 age 19 and again at Elizabeth, South Australia, 1971 age 31. 
Shropshire was midwinter, thick heavy wet red soil/clay which buggered 
me until I got used to the idea of it. Elizabeth was midsummer, 35C 
heat, thick choking bulldust which buggered me for the first few runs in 
full battle kit 'cos I'd been sitting behind a desk for 12 years.

But I've dreamed about running, miles and miles over long rolling hills, 
sweeping down long smooth roads through green valleys full of trees and 
pastures, hearing birdsong and the small sounds wildlife makes in the 
early mornings. I know where you're at, Julie, and I marvel at your 
courage - and your delight!

Roger

Julie Anna Teague wrote:
> Well.  Shoot.  That made me cry.  Thanks.  That was lovely.
> 
> Julie
> 
> Quoting Sachet <MountainWhisper at att.net>:
> 
>> Print your post out, Jules. So that you have it as part of your life 
>> journal.
>>
>> "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we
>> enjoy it and cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society
>> and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet
>> for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run
>> faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is
>> indomitable."
>>
>> - Sir Roger Bannister, first man to break the four minute mile
>>
>> I know that your indomitable spirit is your best & most beautiful
>> strength today.
>>
>> Julie Anna Teague wrote:
>>> I haven't run a marathon or half marathon for 23 years.
>>> I was 26 years old the last time I ran one.
>>> My running was interrupted by 4 abdominal surgeries and 1 knee surgery.
>>> And 2 kids, but they are 16 and 19 now and don't care if I'm gone 
>>> running.
>>> I've trained purposefully for 3 months.
>>> I've run 233 miles since January 11th, anywhere from 3 to 12 miles
>>> at a time.
>>> I've run in 16 degree weather.
>>> I've run on 2 inches of ice and in 5 inches of snow.
>>> I've run for 1.5 hours through a 45 degree downpour.
>>> I've taken approximately 1/2 of a 60 count bottle of aspirin in that 
>>> time.
>>> I have 2 more training runs before the race.
>>> The race is in 3 days.
>>> It starts at 8 a.m., a time I'm always awake but never running.
>>> I plan to have 2 cups of coffee that day, and a little food.
>>> I will collect a number (unknown) and run 13.1 miles at an average
>>> of approximately 8.5 minutes per mile.
>>>
>>> I plan to finish this 1 goal I have set for myself.
>>> I plan to make 48 years old just a number, and not a limiting one.
>>>
>>> Julie
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
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