The Wall.

Sunday, March 22 @ 1:30pm...

Tammy, meet the Wall.
Wall, meet Tammy.
“Hi Tammy, nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Likewise. I’ve heard a lot about you too.”

“I’m sure you have. Probably not good though, huh?”

“Well, actually, no. Sorry, no offence.”

“Oh hey, none taken. Trust me, I’m used to it. I’m not very popular with runners but I always like to stop by and check in anyway; I even drop in on seasoned runners. You know, just to check their fortitude around the tenth mile. But new runners, well they’re definitely my favourite. ”

“Yah, so I’ve been warned.”

“So…today is your first 10-mile? Wow. Good for you. Bet you’re feeling nervous.”

“A little. But I ran 9 miles last weekend and it went really well so hopefully today will be good too. We’ll see. Anyway, Susan and Lisa are ready, so I have to go.”

“Oh sure, sorry. Let me get out of your way there. Have a good run. I’ll catch up with you later.”


3:10pm…
“Tammy, we just passed the 8.5mile mark. Only 1.5 miles to go. Are you ok back there?”

“I am. Thanks Susan.”

“Hey Tammy, there you are. I was looking for you.”
“Oh, hey Wall. Where did you come from?”
“I was waiting for you on the bridge; just after the 8-mile mark. You didn’t see me?”
“No I guess not.”
“Really? Because I thought for sure you looked right at me.”
“Um, maybe. I didn’t really notice.”
“Well, you looked pretty focused. So how’s it going? A mile and a half left, eh? You look pretty tired.”
“I am.”
“Holy cow. Look at that hill. You may have to walk.”
“No, I’ll just slow down a bit.”
“Geez. Susan and Lisa are already up and over. You seem to be losing some ground.”
“mmhm.”
“Are you getting cold? You look cold.”
“A little bit but I’m ok.”
“Should have brought your mittens huh?”
“I guess.”
“Are your knees still hurting?”
“Yah.”
“Nauseous?”
“kinda.”
“How’s your ankle doing anyway? I know it was hurting pretty bad a few miles ago.”
“It’s ok.”
“Because you shouldn’t run through pain you know. You could do some damage. Do you want me to run up and tell those guys you have to walk? I know they would understand.”

“No. Thanks.”

3:17pm…
“Hey Tammy….we just passed the 9-mile mark. We’re in the home stretch!”

“Thanks Susan.”

“Boy, Susan’s a great runner, eh?”
“She’s awesome.”
“And Lisa, wow, look at her go.”
“I know. They both inspire me.”
“It’s nice that they let you come out with them.”
“It is.”
“Because you know you slow them down.”
“I know.”
“Their pace would probably be a lot better if you weren’t here.”
“I know.”
“You’re probably wondering if you’ll ever be as good.”
“The thought has crossed my mind.”
“I thought you would have been faster by now.”
“Me too.”
“You can quit you know. Why don’t you just quit? “
“I dunno.”
“Don’t you want to quit?”
“Sometimes.”
“It sure must be frustrating. You’re probably questioning why you even started running in the first place, huh?”
“mmm.”

3:21pm…

“Sooooo….the Bluenose in May? That’s ambitious of you. Wow, that’s quite a lofty goal you set for yourself. Not being a real runner and all.”

……

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“um hm...”
“You’re a…kinda quiet.”
“Just tired.”
“You must be hurtin.” You sure look like it hurts.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are those tears in your eyes? Are you crying? Why are you crying?”
“I’m just frustrated. I want to get it over with.”
“So, just walk it.”

“No.”

“Suit your fancy. Have you ever noticed that the closer you get to something the further away it can feel? I bet you feel that way right now, like you’re NEVER going to finish. Susan and Lisa are probably already there.”

“Probably.”

“Hey, do you remember in school how you were never any good at sports? Man, I think you were the only kid in elementary that got a pin for the Canadian Fitness Testing. You were really bad.”

“What’s your point?”

“I’m just kind of surprised that’s all, that you thought you could do this too. I mean, really, a half marathon is pretty tough. I’d hate to see you embarrass yourself.”

“Thanks.”

“Well, anything is possible I guess. So, still tired? Your legs must be killing you. Are you ever going to finish? Even I’m getting….hey!”

“What?”

“There’s Susan and Lisa; they’re coming back for you. Looks like you made it! I guess it’s time for me to go then; I think there's some runners up ahead I need to check in on. See you next weekend maybe?”


3:25pm…

“Tammy, we’re all done! You just ran 10.45 miles; sorry, I added on a little more by mistake. How do you feel?”

“Tired, but ok. I’m sorry I was so slow.”

“Not at all! Long runs are supposed to be slow; it’s all about endurance, not speed. It’s great doing this together as a group."

"I agree."

"So, did you hit the wall around the nine-mile mark?

"Funny you should mention that. I definitely almost hit it."

"Well, you weren't alone; that was tough for all of us. Come on up to the house for some chocolate milk."

“Sounds great.”

“Oh by the way Tammy, who you were talking to back there?”

“Oh. That. Nobody......nobody important anyway.”

Note: Just shortly after posting this story, we received the news that Susan's mom had sadly passed away. At 90-years old, she was known for her "humour, incredible strength and perseverance," qualities she obviously passed on to her daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Susan and her family.