As the ill conceived tattoo on my leg was meant to suggest, the story of the tortoise and the hare is not only a reoccurring theme in my life but also one that is very important to me.
The tortoise is slow. And dull. And round. He not only has no business winning races, he has no business competing in the first place. The impossibility of the task in front of him is reason enough to quit. The mockery and laughter of his peers is reason enough to quit. The ridiculous lead the hare has from the get go is reason enough to quit. And yet he doesn't. Ever. He continues on with steady determination and quiet resolve. That to me is quite beautiful.
This weekend I was lucky enough to attend a "Friendsgiving" feast to celebrate all who are near and dear. I hadn't formally met one of the attendees but was looking forward to talking with her. She recently returned from Greece where she ran in her first marathon.
That's right. She ran her first marathon... in Greece. You know, where the actual town of 'Marathon' is located. Where Pheidippides made his fabled journey across the countryside to announce Greek victory over Persia. Yeah. That place.
She said what an amazing experience the trip was and that she was planning to go back next year as a tour guide if anyone was interested in going/ competing/ cheering. I must've lit up like a light. The entire idea reeks of impossibility. A marathon? Really? Even the thought of a half marathon... 13.1 miles... is... well... ridiculous. The farthest I've ever gone is just about 6 miles but really when it comes down to it, that was more of a quick walk. There is just no way someone like me could ever have the stamina, the perseverance, or the courage to travel half way around the world and run in the footsteps of Greek Heroes.
Which is exactly why I am going to do it.
I hold no allusions of grandeur. I know what my body can and cannot do. So my goal--my hare-- is simply to finish... half of it.
And I will do that. Just wait and see.
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