WBB ESSAYS
Marathon
- by Vicky Ann (read her myspace and blog)
I should have run a marathon today; pumping arms and legs, pushing through a wall with exhilaration. Sweating with hundreds of bodies who have trained for months, years to challenge themselves. Coming last won’t matter or even failing to complete the course. Standing on the starting line is more important, pacing yourself and knowing when to slow or stop and breathe.
I couldn’t run the marathon today; pumping arms and legs made me weak, sweat with punishment. My heart and muscles can not work hard enough. Starving didn’t push my body further, it took me backwards. Running and racing alone, changing the route, hiding the finish line. My feet stumble as I think of what I could achieve if I was healthy; the freedom of fresh air as I walk down the street and laughing.
I want to run a marathon but walking comes first, building the strength to step on the starting line. Fighting to take care of the body which allows dreams to be captured. Letting go of the routines, behaviours, thoughts which have swallowed every step and grasping the chance for your health is a marathon without the race. A road full of people learning about themselves and holding out hands for each other.
I can start a marathon today and even if the finish line is out of sight, I can picture it and love my body no matter what.
