熱愛生活
音樂幾乎伴隨了我所有的文字，從音符中飄逸出的旋律有時比文字更能釋譯情感。
正文
【前言（1-20-2013）】：昨天上午，我參加的馬拉鬆業餘訓練團隊主教練Mike要求每個隊員寫一份馬拉鬆賽當天的報告與大家交流。除我以外，這個團隊中沒有一個人懂中文。所以，我隻好用英文完成這份作業。
Min and I were waked up by the alarm at 4:50AM. Before I got out of the bed, the first thing that I did was to listen tentatively about what was happening outside. The sound of gentle rain mixed with wuthering wind made me sigh. Even though the weather was unfriendly to runners on this race day, however, I determined to make the best out of it and to run with joy and fun.
(1) Just as I did before all Saturday long runs and other races, I ate my favorite breakfast (a bowl of oatmeal with milk, nuts, and fruits) and drank a bottle of muscle milk (400 ml). Before leaving the house, I grabbed a hat to prevent or reduce the rain pounding on my eyeglasses during running. Yet, in a hurry and due to the excitement, I forgot to wear my eyeglasses. I didn’t realize this terrible mistake until Min and I got to the downtown and walked to the start line. One of my eyes is nearsighted, another is farsighted. Walking awhile without eyeglasses, I felt dizzy and very uncomfortable. What would happen to run 26.2 miles without eyeglasses? It was too late to go home to get the eyeglasses. I started feeling panic and was in tears. Even though he is not enthusiastic about my training and running marathon, my dearest Min comforted me with wise remarks while I was in distress. He told me that “It is raining and windy out there. Even with a hat, the rain would definitely get all over your eyeglasses and still make your vision poor if you wore eyeglasses. It might be better without them because it saves your time of wiping rain. ” Min’s reasoning comforted me and put me in easy.
(2) After departing with Min, I entered the gate of the Marathon A Corral. To combat the cold, rainy, and windy weather, I wore my favorite red water proof jacket and a pair of black water proof pants on outside of my running outfit. Five minutes before the start time, I took off and tossed away the water proof pants. Soon passed the start line, my heart and mind had the melody and lyrics of "Singing in the Rain". I was joyful to have images of Gene Kelly singing and dancing in the rain, splashing through puddles. I started to run playfully by jumping over big puddles and almost forgot that I was running a marathon.
(3) Between the mile 3 and the mile 4, I felt uncomfortable to run with the red rain coat. I took it off, kissed it for goodbye and tossed it away. I felt a little sad then because this rain coat had been with me to several countries, including my favorite trips to Austria, Greece, and New Zealand. It has a big hidden pocket in the front and is very good to hide valuables there during travel. Because of my favorite memories attached with this rain coat, I wore it sentimentally on this rainy race day. It comforted me to think that this rain coat might be useful to whoever picks it up. Around the mile 4, I ate my first chocolate flavor GU and drank two cups of water. I sincerely thanked volunteers at the water station. Between the mile 8 and 9, I took off my arm warmers and tossed them away and used a Port-A-Cans (only once in this race, not like the last race with 3 usages).
(4) Around the mile 11, I heard a church bell rang. The sound echoed in the air for a long time, which reminded me of the movie "The Sound of Music" in which the church bells rang one after another. My mind had images of Maria and the Trapp children singing, dancing, and running through the city of Salzburg and nearby lush landscapes. With those images from the movie and the beautiful memory of my family’s visit there, my heart was filled with joy, my legs were light, and I ran fast.
(5) Time passed so quickly. Without knowing, I reached at the half marathon mark where two of my colleagues had waited patiently in the poor weather for supporting me. I thanked them from the bottom of my heart. During the race, I also interacted with other spectators and expressed my appreciation to them. Without volunteers and spectators, this marathon wouldn’t be possible. As a runner, I appreciate their support dearly. I ate another chocolate flavor GU and drank two cups of water around the mile 13.
(6) Either just passed the half marathon mark or around the 14 miles, I heard the music of "Hallelujah" from Handel's masterpiece "Messiah". I saw a small band performing at inside of a residential garage (to avoid rain). The majestic music and my memory of the "Hallelujah" chorus lyrics gave me tremendous boost spiritually and mentally. Again, my heart was filled with joy, my legs were light, and I ran fast.
(7) By the time to run through the city's famous shopping area Galleria (around the mile 16), the rain had long stopped. However, the wind was still strong. I remembered what I read last couple of days about how to run in windy conditions. Some of the strategies are to run in the middle of a group of people or to run behind someone who is taller than me. I felt shy and uncomfortable to put those strategies into practice. So, I ran alone by myself. The windy weather was reminiscent of the climate of Scottish Highlands and took me back to my family’s wonderful visits there. Thinking of Scotland reminded me of the movie "Chariots of Fire". My mind had the melody of the movie soundtrack and the images of Eric Liddell running in the rugged charming landscapes of Scotland. Once again, my heart was filled with joy, my legs were light, and I doubled my efforts in high wind and ran fast.
(8) From the mile 17 to 18, we ran through the Tanglewood neighborhood where elder President Bush lives. Thinking of his hospitalization at the Methodist Hospital prompted me to say a prayer for him at my heart. I also prayed for other sick people whom I know for their speedy recoveries. In addition, I gave a thankful prayer for my good health.
(9) When I ran through the Memorial Park area between the mile 20 to 22, the trees on both sides of the road reminded me of Strauss’ "The story of the Vienna Woods". The beauty of the music as well as the cherished memory of my family’s visits to Vienna made me very happy. I almost forgot the fatigue of my body and kept running.
(10) The mile 23 to 25 was the hardest to me. It was so boring to run on Allen Parkway. I was physically tired and my mind couldn’t think of any music to encourage myself. I ate the 3rd and the last chocolate flavor GU and drank two cups of water around the mile 24. I was so happy to see Lindsey somewhere in this difficult part of the route. The encouragement from Lindsey as well as other enthusiastic spectators, the expectation of this marathon journey ending soon, and the longing to see Min and to be united with him again prevented me from giving up. Thinking of so many people’s prayers for me and reciting “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9) kept me going.
(11) After getting into the downtown, my mind started working again. Only about 1 mile to go, the melody and the lyrics of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” were in my mind and heart. I started running with joy again. About a quarter of a mile left, two 3:40 pacers passed by me. I was debating with myself whether to keep up with them or to save energy and leave my best for Min to take my photos. I decided to leave my best for Min.
(12) Since passing the front of Hilton and entering the last couple of hundred meters to the finish line, I started slowing down a little and looking for Min to take my photos. I was ready to stop and make poses as I did last year. I looked at spectators on my left side, right side, and front. Unfortunately, Min was nowhere to be found. I started feeling “mad” at him. About 50 meters to the finish line, I dashed with an accelerate speed to the end.
(13) Just passed the finish line, I heard Min calling me in excitement “Darling, I took really good photos of your running to the finish line. Why did you run with your eyes almost closed, looking so sleepy, yet with such fierce force like a crazy person?” Hearing his questions, I couldn’t help but laughing even I was very tired. I told him that “I ran crazily to the finish line because I was very mad at you since I couldn’t find you anywhere then. I ran with eyes half opened and half closed to prevent dizziness because I didn’t wear my eyeglasses.” Hearing what I just said, Min laughed, too.
(14) The most touching moment was that my daughter called and congratulated me soon after I got inside of the GRB Convention Center. Apparently, my son-in-law got up early in California and tracked my running. He was a member of the Rice cycling team and was a member of the Stanford cycling team, too. He understands and appreciates marathon runners much better than my daughter or Min does. It was from their phone call that I knew my net time 3:40:35. Both Min and I love these two young people dearly. I thanked them for their love and support.
After going through the GRB Convention Center, Min and I went to the VIP tent. I was so glad to see Coach Mike and a group of running teammates there. I was very grateful to them for their advice, guidance, encouragement, and support during the training. Thanks also to God for keeping me injury-free. Whenever I was tired during the training, Isaiah 40:30 ("but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”) always gave me new strength.
Min and I went to home after leaving my running friends. In the evening, Min originally would like to take me to a dress up restaurant for celebration. Unfortunately, I gained 7 pounds during this marathon training season and couldn’t fit in my favorite light blue dress or black dress. Eventually, we went to a casual dress restaurant “Taste of Texas”. Min had his favorite beef. I had my favorite nuts and seafood. We had a wonderful time there.
Thank God for sustaining me in this cold, rainy, and windy marathon day. Overall, it was a joyful day.
音樂《Running Free》
謝謝你的鼓勵，新朋友！是的，“Min is great”。如果他同意和支持我跑波士頓馬拉鬆，那他將是the greatest：）））。
謝謝霹靂貓姊妹的鼓勵，你的留言使我非常感動。雖然我們隻是網上相識，尚未見過麵，但在我心裏仿佛已經認識你很久。謝謝你們夫婦許多美好的分享。你在我完成第一次馬拉鬆和這次達標波士頓馬拉鬆（BQ）過程中都起著非常重要的作用。多麽有趣，因為同感一靈，我在馬拉鬆訓練過程，特別是long run時也經常想著你。雖然我不知道你是選擇跑芝加哥馬拉鬆，但是我知道你在訓練並且希望BQ。因此，我經常祈禱神保守你在訓練過程中不受傷，祝福你速度不斷加快，能BQ。雖然我現在還在爭取我先生的同意，還沒有最後決定是否跑波士頓馬拉鬆，但是我已經開始閱讀相關材料，才發現波士頓馬拉鬆不僅報名標準高，而且馬拉鬆路程難度遠超過遠芝加哥馬拉鬆和休斯頓馬拉鬆，有相當大的坡度。好在你們那裏有山，比我這裏平地做坡度訓練條件好。我會繼續為你訓練的平安、愉快、和進步祈禱。
因為今天是公休假在家，有時間去風情壇轉了一會，很久沒去了，發現拉下許多好帖，特別是你的《2012巴塔哥尼亞記行》係列。看到係列三“從Moreno冰川到Fitz Roy”，我的眼睛都直了。我的全家第一次接觸冰川和爬冰川是在新西蘭，全家都非常喜歡。一直想找再一個冰川爬，所以，最近一直在研究南極之行。然而，發現目前南極旅行大多數是通過破冰遊輪進去，日程非常有限，與我女兒和女婿的時間接不上。另外，即使到了南極，因為環境保護，基本上沒有爬冰川這樣的活動。所以，看了你的帖子，感到非常興奮。如果我們決定放棄南極之行，選擇你們剛完成的巴塔哥尼亞線路，屆時一定向你們請教。
讓我們在禱告中相互紀念，願神保守和祝福你的馬拉鬆訓練，更多的祝福你和你的全家！！
謝謝你的分享，很感動。我想你會喜歡"Chariots of Fires"。如果還沒有看過這部電影，建議看一次。不僅是因為這部電影獲得奧斯卡獎，而且因為電影反映的是真人真事。主角Eric Liddell（中文“李愛銳”，也有被翻譯成“裏達爾”）is a Scottish missionary to China.
中文網站百度百科裏有一篇文章這樣介紹Eric Liddell：“。。。。裏達爾的一生是傳奇的一生，也是傳教的一生。他時刻不忘記自己的任務，在最危險的時候仍不肯離開。在戰爭結束之後，裏達爾被安葬在河北省石家莊市的華北烈士陵園，那裏還安葬著白求恩，柯棣華等國際反法西斯英雄，愛丁堡大學還為他樹立了一座紀念碑，濰坊市政府在2005年紀念濰坊集中營解放60周年的活動中為伊利克•裏達爾的紀念碑獻花環。”當然電影主要是反映他跑步的天賦以及與其他英國運動員參加巴黎奧運會的經過。
今天是我工作單位馬丁路德金日公休假，如果你工作的大學也放假，祝假日愉快。願神祝福和保守你的音樂鋼琴事奉！
Dear主內弟兄和同鄉iflyswa：謝謝你的建議和關心。那件紅色防雨服是找不回來的，我也不打算去找。在馬拉鬆賽起跑線附近會有許多各種各樣的衣物，通常有誌願者們將這些衣物收集整理後送給一些慈善機構給有需要的人們。沿途也會有跑步者們放棄的衣物，就象我的紅色防雨服、arm warmers、手套，但比起跑線附近少多了。一位跑友曾經開玩笑說，以後不買相關跑步鍛煉裝備，專門在馬拉鬆賽沿途撿：）））。
問好並祝新一周愉快安康！
Dear主內姊妹廣陵曉陽:
看到你的回複，感動的眼淚忍不住掉下來。Phillipians 4:13 是我的Godmother 在我最困難的時候鼓勵我的scriptures之一。現在我在一所大學裏任教，和你同一個州。我所有的智慧和力量都來自於主； 我也要將所有的榮耀都歸於他。我希望可以通過自己有限的服侍 (by playing the piano for the church) 傳播主愛。
Also, thanks for sharing the music of "Chariots of Fires" and I have just ordered the DVD :)
Peace and Joy
Dear主內弟兄姊妹woodcat：
謝謝你的閱讀和鼓勵。就讓我與你分享我的主教練Mike回給我的電子郵件一部分與你共勉吧。“......I really enjoyed your story. At about mile 4 I ran by a fellow who had Phillipians 4:13 written on the back of his shirt. At that time the rain was really coming down and the wind was blowing. I commented that it was only through Christ that we could do this on this day. Then we had a brief conversation about how this was no different than any other day and how we needed His graces everyday! There's always some inspiration if we keep our eyes open for it!......”主教練Mike是一位資深的知識產權法律師，同時是一位業餘馬拉鬆愛好者。他帶領我們這個40多人的民間非正式馬拉鬆訓練團隊完全是義務服務，沒有任何報酬。我所在的團隊中還有6位助理教練也都是有各自專業的專業人士，義務服務我們這些隊員。我非常被他們感動。即使我明年停止馬拉鬆長跑運動，我也將從此申請做馬拉鬆賽誌願者，象那些遞水的義工們。這大概就是我們經常聽到的生命影響生命吧。
祝喜樂安康！