Lost Horizons

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

When I was studying English Literature at school, I was forced to read Alan Sillitoe's short story. It's not really about running, but more a socialist moral fable.
Still, the title is common enough to make people think of long distance runners as solitary, bona-fide introverts, obsessive individuals who don't mind pain. This is contrasted by the fact that nearly 43,000 people took part in the Hong Kong long distance races, yesterday. It seems to me that long distance running is quite a social affair.
Respect though to one of my colleagues, Ken, who despite being in his seventh decade, took part in the ten kilometre race, and finished withing fifteen minutes of the winning time. Even more respect to the fact the race started at twenty past five in the morning, and after the race, he went off sailing. Of course I only have his word that he took part as he lost his timing chip, so he won't be receiving a certificate. But knowing Ken, he took part - he's too honest to lie about it. Me? I couldn't even get up that early, let alone run in a race at that time.

posted by Luke @ 11:22 AM