Downed Runner

[judecorp]

Downed Runner
Originally uploaded by judecorp.

While the whole Marathon experience is always intense, I was completely overcome by this man. Out of exhaustion, he laid himself down on the pavement, chest heaving, gulping air. Since he was one of the leaders he was spared the torrent of stampeding competition, and had the road to himself and his pain for several minutes. We watched in stunned silence, and cheering stopped. Eventually a young woman walked over and handed the man her half-drunk bottle of Gatorade, which he voraciously inhaled. Police officers and Marathon officials went over to the man to offer support, and one rubbed his back gently which lodged a lump firmly in my throat. I nearly started to cry watching this strong man hug the ground, trying to buy a little bit of time.

After a few moments he stood and began walking the course to a resounding applause. Thank goodness. I was too overcome with emotion to take any other possible outcome.

Comments

[folkyboy.livejournal.com]

oh wow...that sounds incredibly moving... there was a woman on the T today who kept walking like she'd just had butt sex or something and was nearly CRYING trying to walk down the stairs to get on the red line. it's some insane shit!

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I am so amazed by all of the older people (60 and up) who can complete the marathon. It makes me feel like such a big fatty wuss. I'm young and there's no way I could do HALF of one!

One woman puked right in front of me and Amy. That wasn't nearly as moving.

[gimmeapony.livejournal.com]

If we start training now, maybe we can run a marathon by the time we're 60.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Girl, I am SO never running a marathon. Unless there's a vat of ice cream at the end.

[gimmeapony.livejournal.com]

Word. I like my nipples just the way they are.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Ouch. Effing ouch. That was so frickin gross.

[folkyboy.livejournal.com]

hahaha yeah i bet!

[serenity-coach7.livejournal.com]

HOLY COW!! That must have been stunning.... and give me renewed faith in the human race =)

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I felt so bad for him. It must be so hard to come so far (he was from somewhere in Africa) and get so tired...