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Doing a marathon the easy way

July 14, 2013 by Dave Knadler

She's very good for marathon morale.

She’s good for marathon morale.

Today we went out early to watch the Missoula Marathon. Tess, who has run a couple of half-marathons herself, takes great joy in cheering on the runners.

I do too, although I take special interest in people who look as if they have no business on the course: the overweight, the elderly, the very young, the halt and the lame. Let’s just say I admire their moxie. Just as I hope somebody might admire mine in the unlikely event I decide my running days are not truly over.

There’s something inspirational about watching ordinary people put themselves to the test. Standing on the sidelines, clapping and shouting out the cliches of encouragement, I did kind of wish I was among them. I know how bad you can feel at the end of a long race, but I also know the euphoria near the finish. An 86-year-old man trotted by somewhat stiffly, and the crowd went wild. No doubt they were thinking what I was: If he can do it, what the hell am I doing on the sidelines?

The finish line at the Higgins Avenue Bridge.

The finish line at the Higgins Avenue Bridge.

More along these lines:

  • For your listening pleasure
  • This could be
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  • Who’s ready for some pinkeye?Who’s ready for some pinkeye?
  • All ghost and no townAll ghost and no town
  • A man of many talents

Filed Under: Me, montana

About Dave Knadler

Obscure writer. Lazy photographer. Bashful guitarist. Perhaps too fond of wine. Tireless nemesis of New York Times crosswords, Wordle, Semantle and all other puzzles du jour.

Comments

  1. John H. says

    July 15, 2013 at 11:55 am

    I’m all for people challenging themselves and enjoying their achievements. But on seeing the 86-year-old marathon runner, my thought is invariably, “Better him than me”.

    • Dave K. says

      July 17, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      I should have mentioned that he didn’t look like he was enjoying it.

  2. Joan says

    July 15, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    I’m pretty sure that each of us is born with a finite amount of energy. When it’s all gone-so are we! Now ya’ll can use yours up running up and down the road if you want to. I’m saving mine just in case I decide to live forever.

    • Dave K. says

      July 17, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      Good plan!

  3. Deb says

    July 16, 2013 at 11:17 am

    I keep looking at the scenery in the background—-would love to see more!

    • Dave K. says

      July 17, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      I’ll try to amp up the scenery shots in the coming weeks.

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