10 February 2008
Spirit of the Riverbank
Posted by Shelly under: Shelly Batterbee .
I recently caught the screening of the documentary Spirit of the Marathon. (For those of you who may have heard about it but missed it, Celebration Cinemas North will have an encore performance locally on February 21 at 7:30 p.m., and nationwide it will play that same day at 250 select theatres.) All I could say after leaving the theatre was, “Wow.” I’ve always had that thought in the back of my head (ok, not always, but since I realized I could indeed run a 15.5 mile race and still have the energy to go shopping later in the day!) that I would run a marathon. Right now, my goal is to do one before I’m 40. I figure that gives me plenty of time to work in that slow-and-steady training, right? Maybe by then I’ll even be fast. Ok, fast-ish. I know I can’t commit the time it takes to the training within the next year or two, so giving myself ‘til I’m 40 gives me some cushion.
The feeling I was left with after the movie? I want to run a marathon. I felt moved to tears when they were done with their training and into the race. I remember that same feeling at the Riverbank in 2003—of getting to the starting line—knowing in a few hours (or more or less, depending on who you are) you will have this remarkable achievement to add to your life.
Part of me is now trying to figure out how to, first of all, get through this Riverbank uninjured. And then how to talk my family into the training for something greater. Or could I train secretly and surprise them? 
I am so excited to get to the starting line on May 10. I was secretly relieved to see Deena Kastor, Olympic medalist, working through an injury through the course of the movie. Of course, I wasn’t glad she was hurt, but I was glad to see that little injuries truly can happen to anyone. Not just those of us who are average Joes and Janes. Not just to those of us who may hear those voices (and not just in my head) saying, “Maybe you should just not run—ever think of that?” Nope. That clearly hasn’t crossed my mind yet, as I’m back AGAIN trying to complete this race.
I do quietly wish for cool weather on May 10. If you’ve read any of my other posts, you may remember that I had to run my first (and only) Riverbank in a very balmy 80 degree heat, and that I much prefer snowflakes to sunshine for my running weather. Love ‘em love ‘em love ‘em.
But have no doubts—I am excited to be there. I loved how Jerry, one of the runners the filmmakers followed, was just ENJOYING his marathon. He wasn’t a fast runner. But good grief, he was having fun! I want to go for a long Sunday run with that man! He high-fived people along the way. He clapped for others. He thanked those people on the sidelines for cheering him on. I’ve been there. I remember thanking the man who sat at about mile 14 telling me what an awesome job I was doing. Not much more to go, he said. You are doing an amazing thing. This was coming from a complete stranger–but I will always remember his accolades. Nevermind that others had finished an hour before me. Or more. I was still doing something amazing.
And I will again on May 10. Come down to see us, cheer us on. The spirit is already waiting for us.
4 Comments so far...
Shirl Kohl-Martin Says:
10 February 2008 at 9:13 pm.
Shelly, What a great post! Thanks for the motivation and bringing back my marathon memories. It truly is a wonderful experience!
I hope to join you for your first marathon!
Shirl
Deborah Pieri Says:
11 February 2008 at 6:14 pm.
It was a wonderful and very inspiring movie. I hope lots more people get to see it this month! Keep up the great work Shelly! We’re getting closer every day. Before you know it we’ll be wearing shorts and wiping the sweat off our faces outside! HA HA HA! Am I a dreamer or what?!
Julie Hurley Says:
11 February 2008 at 9:56 pm.
This makes me SO excited for May 10! I, too, have had the first niggling of “something greater” in the future, but I’m trying SO hard to not get ahead of myself. 
John Says:
28 February 2008 at 8:50 am.
Thanks for your post about Spirit of the Riverbank. I found your site last Thursday searching Google for %KEYWORDS%. Your ideas were very helpful to me, so thank you!