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| Day 5 of #sol17 |
My husband is a marathon runner, and the Chicago Marathon is our annual tradition. My sister and I, and now our children, bundle up on early October mornings so that we can cheer him, and 40,000 others, on. But, it's hard work.
What was he wearing? Oh yes! Those orange gloves! M eyes scan the street, back and forth, back and forth, looking for a glimpse of bright orange gloves. Or a glimpse of red hair, or those neon running shoes he wears. Back and forth my eyes go, sometimes thinking I see him, but usually it's a false alarm. I look back at my watch, and try to do the math again. If it's mile 3, he should be here any minute. I think.
"Kids, keep your eyes open! Daddy is going to run by."
"Mom, I need a snack."
"Not right now. Look for Daddy."
"When are we going inside? I'm cold."
"Look for Daddy."
"Uncle Brian?"
"Yes, G. Look for Uncle Brian."
"OK, I want fish, too. Like Evan."
My eyes return to the course. I hope I didn't miss him.
Waiting. Camera up. Glancing at the kids, then back to the course, then back to the kids. The city is filled with strangers on this October morning, and watching the race and the kids is stressful. But, he is going to run past any minute...
I see a glimpse of those gloves. "BRIAN!!!!"
He runs past, and gives a quick wave, and then is gone. My sister and I pack up, and race off to the next place where we might catch him. I'm not sure the kids even saw him at this mile marker. They were too busy eating goldfish and laughing with their cousin. But, they were there to support our Marathon Man.
This slice was made trying:
Goal 3: Generating and Collecting Ideas
3.1 Important People strategy from Jennifer Serravallo's The Writing Strategies Book.
I love the suspense in this and the way you described how the kids were experiencing the moment. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading!
DeleteI love your build up to finding your Marathon Man and your connection to texts.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYour second paragraph nails the craziness of trying to spot someone in the marathon. It speaks so loudly to the stress and multi-tasking that must occur to be successful. The conversation with the kids was perfect to help the reader understand the multi-tasking necessity. From a marathon runner - people like you help us keep going. Thanks for being out there, facing the cold, taking care of kids, and cheering us on! Loved this piece!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your marathons!!! That is a great accomplishment. I feel successful when I can find him running, and even that doesn't happen every time I try. I couldn't even imagine RUNNING one. :)
DeleteThis book has been in my Amazon cart for a bit. I think it's time to order it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this little glimpse into the life of your Marathon Man. And, those kids. . . food is top priority. Gotta keep 'em fed!
I do think it's worth the investment!
DeleteYour writing, takes me back to the many runs I did with my mom. My finishing the race before her & then racing to find a spot along the finish line so I can cheer her on.
ReplyDeleteSuch great memories for you to have! That's great.
DeleteGreat post! I love the dialogue you included with your fellow fans. I'm sure it's hard for them to be patient waiting for him to pass, but what a great thing for them to experience!
ReplyDeleteThey have a great time. They just usually don't see their dad. Oh well. :)
DeleteWhat a great idea -- I'm pulling out my copy of the Writing Strategies book and having a go at a strategy. THANK YOU for sharing this grown-up strategy today! (And I'm thinking about those orange gloves and orange goldfish crackers and the orange of our slice logo... )
ReplyDeleteI thought taking out her book seemed much more productive that staring at a blank screen... and it worked! I already have tomorrow's waiting, thanks to another strategy from Serravallo. It's nice to a plan when the words aren't coming. :)
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