My 27 month
service in Peace Corps it a lot like my 26.2 miles in the OC Marathon.
I started
out both full of energy and anticipation wondering how I would feel, how I
would do on this test of endurance. The first halves of both had ups and downs
but flew by with relative ease. Starting the second 13 miles, the second year,
is when stuff gets real, when I start feeling it. When I think I can´t go on, I
get a burst of energy in the form of a pack of pink gel cubes or a successful
completion of a project. When I get lonely on the streets of the OC, Aunt B
appears or I site my cheer crew (Amy, Hailey, Linda, Melinda, and Jason love
you guys); being lonely in the streets of Chocta, Mom calls, or I get a nice
facebook message from a loved one.
During the
marathon I remember feeling muscles ache that I never knew existed. As a PCV
I´m feeling emotions that I never knew could be felt so strongly. I have
moments of bliss like when that angel from heaven in an orange t-shirt uses his
magical spray to cure my numb ass or when someone tells me how much they
appreciate my presence here. My poor bowels suffer equally: in the marathon I
wanted to poop so bad but couldn’t, and here I am pleasantly surprised if I
have a solid poop or my stomach isn´t bloated and cramped.
Both
undertakings are marked with milestones. Make it up that hill, just get to mile
20, almost at the next water station… Make it through rainy season, just 4 more
months till Hailey and Linda come to see me. Without setting those little goals, 26 or 27
of anything is just too much.
I have people counting on me to finish, as
seen by their posters of encouragement (run lexi run) or an email saying they
care. And even if I can´t see them, I feel their support as I stride on. I will
gladly take advice from someone who has done it before or is doing it, but I am
hesitant to take advice from someone who has never experienced this distinct
escapade.
I´m trying
new things like maybe this new stride won´t hurt so much and actually after 15
miles those weird packets of sweet concentrated calories are actually yummy or
this is how you dig up potatoes and these fresh bull testicles in fact taste
pretty good.
I am not
alone but surrounded by people on the same journey. Some fall but we help them
up. Some stop and leave before it´s over but we don´t blame them. Some move
through with ease and other struggle to make it. We all have different reasons for
participating but more or less the same ultimate goal.
I am proud
of myself each step of the way, I am impressing myself at every turn, and I am
so happy to be partaking in this unique experience. I know when the undertaking
is all over I will be pleased to say I did it but I don´t think I´ll be doing
it again anytime soon… Never say never?
