If you’ve run a marathon or thinking about running a marathon (either dreaming or are seriously committed) keep an eye out for Spirit of the Marathon. Its a documentary on the history and modern evolution of the sport. I’m not a big sports history buff (yawn), but this was interesting and light hearted enough to hold my attention for the whole hour and half (two hours if you count hanging around for the DVD extra type stuff post show.)
After delving into the races origins, and early competitions in the Olympics, the story focus on folks training for the 2005 Chicago Marathon at various levels (first timer- lone trainee, first timer- group trainee, repeat marathoners, late onsets, and elites.) I felt right at home with the group first timer group trainee. I almost got choked up at times reliving some of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of both the training process and race day that the profiled runners endured.
A large population of the Syracuse running community made it out to the show (thanks Fleet Feet for the heads up!) including the most of the class ’07 1st Marathon. A few of which are getting ready for the fast approaching Boston Marathon. I’m still amazed that I trained with these amazing athletes.
At this point, I still don’t know what I’m gonna do in ’08. Seeing the movie brought out both good and bad memories. I was thinking about giving up on the marathon distance and concentrating on speed at half and shorter distances, but now I’m jonesing for the high of crossing the marathon finish line again. Gonna have to get serious soon if that’s the idea!
Unfortunately, I think in theaters, the movie gonna was a one shot event; keep an eye out for it on DVD.
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