The Importanace
of Five
by Maureen Lowney
Maureen, running the '98 Philly Marathon
|
I
should have immediately known that it was going to be a rough day when
I discovered that my sneakers were missing ! It was 7:45 am on November
21, 1999 and I was in the final stage of dressing for the Philadelphia
Marathon which was to begin at 8:30 am. I was wearing my favorite shorts,
my most comfortable running bra, my VCTC singlet, my Oakley sunglasses
which I think make me look fast, and my lucky Claddagh earrings. Imagine
the gripping terror that overcame me as I realized I left my sneakers
in the trunk of my car, the keys to which were with my brother who was
staying in another wing of the hotel and was not answering his room
phone ! |
I think its fair to say that most runners have one or two superstitions that we
associate with our sport. I am not unique in this regard. For example, my Irish
earrings have accompanied me through every one of my marathons and countless shorter
races. I am embarrassed to admit that I approached my thirteenth marathon with
some trepidation due to the uneasiness attached to the number thirteen. Before
even beginning the race, I was eager to get it over with so I could move on to
marathon number fourteen !
Several weeks before the race, I received my race acknowledgement and bib number.
My propensity toward superstitious thinking kicked in early as I wrote the number
down and showed it to my Numerology Friend (I also have an Astrology Friend,
a White-Witch Friend, and a Tea Leaf Reading Friend but those characters do
not figure into my marathon story). My number expert took my bib number, 3164,
and reduced it to the single digit "5" and announced in a very serious
voice that my number symbolized TRANSFORMATION.
Transformation !! I was intrigued by the word and by its auspicious prediction
for my upcoming race. In the privacy of my heart, I actually had the arrogance
to think that this would be it ! THIS would be the breakthrough marathon that
I had been waiting for throughout ten years of mediocre and sometimes disappointing
finishes. This would be the race that transformed me into a competitive marathoner.
My performance that day can be summed up pretty simply by describing the weather:
bright sunshine (on a course with virtually no coverage), temperatures in the
low to middle 70s, and high humidity.
I was hoping to run under 3 hours and 25 minutes and in spite of the weather
I was ran conservatively and on pace for most of the race. At Mile 13, I passed
"my fly-girls". Four friends from my office drove down from New York
City early that morning and were stationed exactly where I asked them to be,
holding colorful home made signs and yelling encouragement to me as I flew by
still on pace. I met my brother Chris exactly as agreed at Mile 15 and although
he had some initial trouble adjusting to my pace, we finally got into synch
and he took me to Mile 18. Chris was full of witty observations which took my
mind off of the pain that started to seize my legs. By Mile 20 the heat had
definitely begun to take its toll on me and I began yet another disheartening
"death march" to the Finish Line. Since the course doubles back on
the final stretch, Chris met me again at Mile 22; he was immediately aware by
my pace and my grimace that things had taken a dramatic turn for the worse.
In a desperate attempt to bolster my spirit somewhat, he said, "Look Reen,
you are passing people." I looked to the side where he was indicating and
I noticed that he was pointing at spectators ! A mother with a child in a stroller
! I didn't care, he was right, at least I was moving forward. At Mile 25, the
final handoff took place, Chris dropped off and Tony Thoman joined me for the
final 1.2 miles. I cannot think of a more disagreeable task than escorting a
fading runner through the last mile of a marathon ! Tony said all the right
things though, complimenting my form and pace and assuring me that we were getting
very close to the finish. I made the turn to the Finish Line at 26 miles and
immediately spotted my fly-girls who had strategically repositioned and who
were ecstatic to spot me and cheer me into the shoot.
I stopped my watch at 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 30 seconds and all eyes were
on me watching for my reaction as I emerged from the shoot well behind my projected
finish time.
As I greeted my support crew, Chris, Tony, and my girlfriends from New York, I
felt the most extraordinary calmness. For the first time, I smiled after what
could be considered a disappointing marathon. I remember saying to everyone, "It
was hot; I did the best I could, don't worry, I am really happy." And although
I had said those words before, after other marathons, for the first time I really
and truly meant it. I was so touched by the remarkable commitments that my friends
and family had made to support me during my training and during my race. It occurred
to me in the moments immediately after the race that I did not have to run under
3 hours and 25 minutes to achieve a successful marathon. My "achievement"
was gathered around me sharing joy in the marathon journey that I had just completed.
I've had eight months to reflect on my last marathon. It did not take me long
to realize that a transformation truly did take place in the running of that race.
It wasn't the transformation that I had initially hoped for but a more significant
transformation of spirit. I believe that I might have finally transformed into
a runner less taken up with my "times" and more aware of the pilgrimage
that running takes me on and the lives that my running touches. I say "might
have" because some of life's lessons must be learned over and over again
until they finally take root. It's taken me ten years and thirteen marathons to
come this far !
Well, training begins immediately for Marathon Number 14; and I am eager to see
where this one takes me !
Maureen Lowney, March, 2000