Three Marathons, Five Days, Three Countries
Have you ever pushed your body to certain limits? Our recent overseas travel was in the Caucasus, where my husband who is 76 of age recently embarked on a challenge that tested his physical and mental endurance- three marathons in five days. This is the latest of the countless that he has done in the past.
Baku, Azerbaijan: The Heat of Chaos
The first was in Baku, a chaotic ordeal. The original venue was changed not once, but five times, ultimately landing us in a shadeless park under the scorching sun. As he ran, he couldn’t help but question his sanity. The heat was relentless, making every runner’s experience far from enjoyable. “Why am I doing this? It is not fun! I need to cancel the next run.” But he persevered, fueled by sheer willpower.
The next day, he changed his mind. We crossed the border and went off to the next run.
Yerevan, Armenia: Beauty and Pain
The second was in Yerevan, and I’d say a stark contrast. The breathtaking views of Mount Ararat were a welcome distraction from the physical toll. This race brought its own challenges. The park though well-paved, had mounds along the way. My husband fell on one - really hard, leaving him with bruises on his knee, and his thumb, and an open wound on his arm and others I do not want to mention. He was bleeding. But this pain only fueled his determination. He refused to give up and crossed that finish line.
Tbilisi, Georgia: A Return to Love
The third marathon, in Tbilisi, was a winning experience. The course, the weather, everything seemed to align. The joy, the rhythm, the sense of accomplishment - it all came flooding back. He was back in the game.
Baker, Montana: Battling Vicious Winds
Just two weeks later, he found himself at the starting line of yet another marathon, this time here in the United States. Fighting against fierce winds, 25-30 mph, he completed the fourth marathon in a month.
Reflections on Resilience
Being there in all of this as a 10K (only) runner, witnessing him and others who are even crazier, taught me that the essence of running, and life itself, lies in overcoming challenges. It's about pushing beyond our limits, embracing the pain, and emerging stronger on the other side. Whether it's the scorching heat, the falls, or the relentless winds, each challenge is an opportunity to test us and discover what we can accomplish. Ultimately, it's not just about the finish line; it's about the journey and the unwavering spirit that carries us through.
Keep wandering—more TRAVELS WITH CULTURAL WANDERER at www.culturalwanderer.com 2025 Portugal and Morocco, Romania (part hiking tour), and more soon.
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