Running on Empty

The good news on the just completed 25th Annual Big Sur Marathon is twofold, my college senior middle son, Jack, finished in the top ten of his age group. On the other hand, I simply finished what I started. Jack made it look easy; hitting on all cylinders along the 26.2 miles of gorgeous yet toilsome topography. While I ran two races, a half marathon and a half walk/trot.

Personally experiencing this very difficult race, I have tremendous respect for Jack and for all the runners who took on this herculean challenge. Months of training and then running a marathon is an intense exercise in dealing with contradictions. Suffering and joy. Loneliness and companionship. Health and sickness. Discipline and laxity. A metaphor for life? You bet.

I knew four months ago when Jack asked me to join him in running of the Big Sur Marathon that it would be the most taxing athletic event of my life. That proved to be true. So why did I run it? I ran it to share a priceless experience with Jack. For that...it was worth every step.

Now, if any of my other kids want to share memorable events with me in the future, please suggest something a bit less punishing. Perhaps a week of golf at Bandon Dunes would be just fine.