Friday, January 25, 2008

The Spirit of the Marathon...





That's what it was called, Kera. And wow, it did not disappoint! We decided we would meet for some food before the movie, and where else would we go before a movie based on eternal health and super athletes?-- Crown Burger of course! We figure, we run a gazillion miles every week, a little celulite won't hurt, right? Bad, bad Jen! Must stop this line of thinking! But apparently we aren't the only running group who think burgers and fries make you a marthoner. A giant running group, Local Motion, was there too. Great minds think alike.

We were like giddy school girls as we cashed in our printed tickets and found our seats. Of course, I had to document the occasion, which I'm sure annoyed the hardcore runners all around, but o-well. We'll have a cute blog and you won't. So there.


The movie started and within seconds I had chills-- the opening quote: "I find it's the challenges in life that sometimes define us." And I know this challenge of training will define me to a degree.


I connected most with Lori, the 26-year-old running for the first time. And oh how I wanted the cute Gazelle (that's what I call the superhumans from Africa who run for a living) to WIN! I was saying not so quietly "GOOOOOOOOOOOO! FASTER!!!!!!!"

And, a little piece of me died when that man got the heartbreaking news from his doctor that he had to stop training. I am sooooo scared something like that will happen to me!

The movie inspired me, and mildly freaked me out, but I am pumped for tomorrow! And, because I am feeling so inspired, I thought I would share some inspiration. How about a little contest, eh? Post a comment, and I'll draw a winner for a CD with my favorite running tunes. Don't be shy, you don't have to be a member of WRFDJ. Happy running!

11 comments:

Ang said...

oooooooooh ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

I could really use some new tunes!

I loved the movie too and was feeling pretty freaked out and so excited too.

Kelly(M&M) said...

I am so in this contest!! I need new music also. I LOVED the movie. I am going to make my hubby go with me to the showing on Feb. 21st. Thanks for writing the quote, I loved it!

Anonymous said...

ok me me me! I want to win!

Kristi & Phil said...

Pick me! Yes I want to win!

foxontherun said...

Loved the movie as well! I can relate to the man who had to back out. This is my worst fear as I prepare to go to Boston. I always have some sort of ache or pain when I run and I'm afraid that one of these aches are going to put me out. And yes I want to win some music too.

Kimmie said...

I'm so sad that I had to miss the movie!! Kristi said they are doing an encore in Feb. I'M GOING. Who's comin with me??

Shan @ Design Gal said...

Jen how did you start training? I can't run that far or fast, but I'd love to start training for a smaller goal and build up to something bigger! :) Girl you're my inspiration!

Lindsay said...

So I dont know any of you but I was looking at running blogs and came across yours. I love it! I am going to start training for my first marathon (st. george) here in a couple of weeks and since I live in SLC as well I thought I might be able to ask you a few questions. Just wondering how you figured out where to do your long runs at. I am clueless about where to run. Also are you using a specific training schedule? I understand if you are super busy but I would love if one of you got back to me with some tips. Thanks so so much!! Good luck running. Cant wait to see how the rest of your training goes. -Lindsay (you can either email me @ ldld1212@hotmail.com or post back to my blog lindsaystonehocker.blogspot.com) Thanks again

Suzie Petunia said...

The movie was great! Our little group of running friends got together to see it... wish we'd thought of the yummy pre-movie burger.

I need new tunes!

Katie Torriente: said...

Count me in for the tunes!!!!

Anne said...

Ok, I'm not a scary lurker, but I happened upon your blog while surfing tonight and just felt the urge to comment. I'm pretty sure it was the Crown Burger fries and fry sauce that compelled me (oh how I miss them so!).

I also watched the Spirit of the Marathon last week here in DC. What an awesome awesome movie, although I felt like I should be drinking powerade and clif shot blocks instead of the skittles I had brought with me. It was really neat to be sitting in a theater with 300 people with similar goals and interests as I; watching a movie about a sport we're all passionate about. I felt a really cool energy in the room.

I'm like you, I was devastated when that guy was told he couldn't run, when the "gazelle" (as you call him) ran 3rd etc...It was sooo easy to get emotionally involved!

One thing I realized is that the marathon is essentially two separate yet simultaneous events; one where runners are competing against other runners to actually win, and then the other race, the one I'm familiar with, that has each runner pitted against themselves. It was very fascinating to watch these two different races unfold on the big screen at once. I couldn't get enough!

How awesome was that picture of the Boston Marathon organizer being body checked by Katherine Switzer's boyfriend?!