The Day Before
The bus is laden with good vibes all round yet I cannot help but stare out of the window, sulking. I thought I’d never need a bib again after my infancy, but here I am: on a bus driving through France, in order to pick one up.
One that has my name and starting number on it, so I can join a bloody marathon.
It’s not just a marathon, but “le marathon le plus long du monde”; an annual sports event that uses wine to lure in innocent, untrained runners such as Yours Truly, and promises glory for die-hards – like my friend.
The Goal
Four years of giggling preceded this event: a WINE marathon! HI-LA-RI-OUS! Must forever fantasize about participating!!
The plans took a more serious turn when March 2024 had barely begun and with it, ticket sales.
Against all odds, my friend managed to get two.
A little nervous, she concluded we could “run to see how far we’ll get.” But that was before she started training, hit 15k easily, and concluded a new conclusion: “I can do it!”
She? Yes. Me? Never! Not with my barely-5k-a-week.
Waiting for the starting signal, with My Own Plan: try to make it to 21k alive. Try to enjoy.
The End
A banner congratulates me in French: I made it to the halfway point – an achievement that almost leaves me in tears.
I can stop now! I think.
I mean, I have no idea HOW to quit (who to talk to?). Also… my feet don’t really hurt yet. That Vaseline I rubbed on them works like magic. Best Tip Ever!
What if… I keep going? Just hike it out?
7k later, doubting my decision, A Miracle happens: someone who’s in as bad a shape as I am! We struggle, but we do so together.
We bond over our running mates abandoning us for a lousy medal, find joy in agreeing this is our first and final marathon attempt. And we decide We Will Finish.
Every now and then my new friend and I glance over our shoulders. Do we spot the broom-cart? That frivolous vehicle that marks the end of the marathon before the finish?
Twice, we do. And more than twice, we manage to squeeze out yet another final jog.
I never thought I could… But I do it.
I finish the Marathon.
The Day After
7 hours, 3 minutes, 1 new friend.
Exactly 420 words to describe my adventure.
All that’s left is pride.
(And sore feet.)
Elle Vampa 
You’re a runner! I miss running. I tried a couple of times for a little trot earlier this year, but my back was having none at first that. YOU FINISHED A MARATHON!!!😳. You’re a badass, Elle. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise😉.
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Thank you, Tony! 😁 I like running, but I don’t feel the need to do more than 5k or maybe 10-ish (if combined with walking). I hiked most of the 42k and if I hadn’t met my new friend I’d NEVER have finished.
I hope you can go on a (short) run soon. It IS addictive, and a good way to work out while being out. Have you ever run a marathon? Or half a one?
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No. 5k no farther.
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That sounds mighty fine to me 👍🙌 5k is far enough!
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😅
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