Personal Narrative: 1999 Boston Marathon
What Would Most Surprise People About You?
A dedicated athlete, I placed tenth in the 1999 Boston Marathon. Surprisingly enough, my participation was actually something of a whim. Prior to the race, I ran four miles every day, but I was not in the same league as those who competed internationally. A typical training regime required an aggressive eighteen-week period and a minimum of four days a week: a high commitment. On a dare from my boss, I decided to enter the race.
Although the physical training was tough (due to an old athletic injury), managing my time was tougher. At the time, I was the spokesperson for Loreal Cosmetics, which required travel to both France and London.
My professional commitments were as intense as my running …show more content…
With just four weeks to go, I could run twenty miles. To juggle my dual commitments of work and running, I became a master of efficiency, developing organizational skills I continue to practice today.
Unfortunately, my left knee was also beginning to trouble me at these longer distances.
On the day of the race, I covered my knee in pain-relieving gel and walked to the starting point. After the first twelve miles, I found it difficult to increase pace due to the mass of runners in front of me. Forced to slow down, I contained the pain in my knee and continued to run at a comfortable pace. With about three miles to go, the pain was excruciating, yet I was determined to cross the finish line. Many of my fellow runners had fallen back or dropped out of the race, sidelined by injuries, dehydration or exhaustion. The crowd's good-natured support erased any concerns about my injury or knee pain. As I crossed the finish line in a rush of adrenaline and sweat, someone even encouraged me to spurt. I honestly did not know whether to laugh or cry.
At the time, I did not appreciate the enormity of my success. My knee injury took months to heal and I was physically exhausted for weeks. Although my tenth place finish didn't lead to product endorsements
A dedicated athlete, I placed tenth in the 1999 Boston Marathon. Surprisingly enough, my participation was actually something of a whim. Prior to the race, I ran four miles every day, but I was not in the same league as those who competed internationally. A typical training regime required an aggressive eighteen-week period and a minimum of four days a week: a high commitment. On a dare from my boss, I decided to enter the race.
Although the physical training was tough (due to an old athletic injury), managing my time was tougher. At the time, I was the spokesperson for Loreal Cosmetics, which required travel to both France and London.
My professional commitments were as intense as my running …show more content…
With just four weeks to go, I could run twenty miles. To juggle my dual commitments of work and running, I became a master of efficiency, developing organizational skills I continue to practice today.
Unfortunately, my left knee was also beginning to trouble me at these longer distances.
On the day of the race, I covered my knee in pain-relieving gel and walked to the starting point. After the first twelve miles, I found it difficult to increase pace due to the mass of runners in front of me. Forced to slow down, I contained the pain in my knee and continued to run at a comfortable pace. With about three miles to go, the pain was excruciating, yet I was determined to cross the finish line. Many of my fellow runners had fallen back or dropped out of the race, sidelined by injuries, dehydration or exhaustion. The crowd's good-natured support erased any concerns about my injury or knee pain. As I crossed the finish line in a rush of adrenaline and sweat, someone even encouraged me to spurt. I honestly did not know whether to laugh or cry.
At the time, I did not appreciate the enormity of my success. My knee injury took months to heal and I was physically exhausted for weeks. Although my tenth place finish didn't lead to product endorsements