12/7: Life in the Fast Lane

Margie Shapiro

It’s been a long time since my last blog entry – a sign I haven’t been racing. What have I been doing with my time, you ask? Well at this point, I’m back to a full training load… and non-triathlon life never changed… But during my 3 week break, I rekindled one of my favorite pastimes: reading. Despite my return to not-enough-time-for-life mode, I’ve kept it up. My current book Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, chronicles the horrific World War II experience of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini. It’s appropriate given that today commemorates 70 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

I promise I won’t spoil the ending to this riveting story (I haven’t finished it yet anyway), but so far I’ve admired the incredible strength of character that helps Zamperini survive not only the crash of his B24 bomber, and over a month stranded on a raft in the Pacific with only one other survivor… but many years in atrocious POW camps thereafter. On this rainy day and in a contemplative mood, I wonder: are people born with the drive necessary to endure such atrocities and survive, or do they develop it? And if it’s developed, what conditions are required? What shapes a person’s character to make him so unbreakable in wartime… and do elite runners fortunate enough to avoid the circumstances of war also embody those characteristics?

I am a strong believer that athletics build character – hence our insistence that our kids be involved in sports. But I see a pattern of certain qualities among distance-runners (and triathletes) – were we drawn to running because of them, or did we develop them through running? If I were forced into the conditions of a POW camp, would I be able to draw upon my experience as an athlete for the strength to survive?

I cannot express enough my gratitude to our troops of today and yesteryear for your service to defend our freedom. May you all be granted the strength of will and depth of character of Louis Zamperini.

Comments

Margie, Thanks for the post. The off season is so boring that I really enjoy the reading break. I'll have to try reading something longer than a blog if I can stay awake. I've been working on the dreaded core strength and some other strength training since the cold (& wet) weather set in - things I don't do during race season. Luckily, I found a friend to share the boredom so we laugh alot. I hope to see you on Sunday at Whitlows for a beer. Talk then - Maureen

Maureen Williams December 8, 2011 8:52 am

Looking fwd to seeing you, Maureen!

Margie December 9, 2011 9:28 am

Great blog and great question! I know life has tested me often but I think running and triathlons have allowed me to test myself beyond what others dictate or think possible which I think is a bit different. Running/triathlons have allowed me to see what I am really capable of in a way I hadn't or perhaps couldn't see before. And I know that I use the success and setbacks I've faced in racing and training as a motivator to push myself in other areas of my life. Something to ponder more for certain. Thanks for inspiring such a thought -- and a new book to read as well!

Taneen Carvell December 14, 2011 14:39 am