Reminiscences Of A Marathoner
Well, imagine the agonies of an aging, graying man to be able to run 42.195 meters; of waking when still heavy with sleep, of sore feet, blistered toes, bruised toenails, of parching thirst, in the blazing sun, to build up the physical condition required.
Making the hellish journey as pleasant as possible, he starts as early as four o’clock on Sunday mornings, arriving at six at the outskirts of Jakarta when Nature awakes, he travels through paths, byways, into a Paradise of the countryside, of villages, woodland, fields, … What’s wandering through a park or traveling comfortably in a car?
Where no city’s bustle will annoy his ears, then he, a city-man becomes a Child of Nature, stops or walks slowly to enjoy the song of cicadas, the sounds of flowing, falling water, the rustling trees, the shade and cool breeze, delighting, inspiring man again and again.
Where he chanced to watch two squirrels chasing about in trees. Did you ever chance to see a squirrel in Jakarta nowadays? What’s seeing a squirrel in a cage or preserved in a zoological palace of science?
When such delightful scenery as a lake, a river, a brook or even a creek invites him to take a dip after running and sweating in the sun.
When no ads and billboards will catch his eye but a swimming mother duck with lovely ducklings, or washing; bathing nymphs and beauties; while thirst is turning water into nectar and wine.
Then, very tired after traveling, to return, all the way back home, when busses offer him a heavenly ride just for Rp. 200.- while other heavenly pleasures awaits him; of drinking juice or just cool water out of the kendi (earthen drinking vessel), of taking off his shoes and feel the delightful sensations of walking barefooted on the cool floor, of the freest, deepest breathing, youthful vigor and keen appetite, then close the day with a blissful sleep to crown that day’s feast.
And they descend on you in a natural way like a heavenly blessing, or a subtle heavenly reward.
Those who have never suffered writhing with rheumatism, toothache, stomachache, gasping for breath by an attack of asthma, keep waking an eternity by insomnia, don’t realize the heavenly treasures of good health.
A feeling of gratitude comes with the conviction that even an aging man without any talent for sport as he is, can still make it. Which is so encouraging when he feels himself to be too small and of no significance before, ever to perform this highly improbable feat: to run the marathon and it has brought him greater self confidence as well as improved the quality of his life through better health.
Anyone (heaven is impartial) can have a share in these blessings just by exercising their body they like.
The Indonesia Times,
August 6, 1988 Revealing the Heavenly Treasures Behind The Marathon
November 2011
