True Grit, Heart of a champion = Marathon
To say the marathon can produce the unexpected is misleading. There will always be the unexpected, at times the marathon Gods need a sacrifice and are only too happy to deliver all range of pain to even the most well-prepared runner. At other times, these same Gods are benevolent and seem happy to bestow a sense of euphoria not easily matched, and the reason many of us keep returning to the distance. There is a magic in those 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards). Whether they are run across the famed five boroughs of New York City, or in your hometown amongst friends and family, there is always drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of discomfort.
Now before we get too far ahead of ourselves, this is not a story romanticising, the power of one, the fabled protagonist fighting against adversity and rising to the challenge. Far from it! This is a much deeper tale, which explores that undeniable truth that we are all but a smaller part of a greater puzzle. The human spirit is at its heart, yes! But it is always shadowed by those that surround us, binding us together, a universal brotherhood. Runners know this as truth, and from which the community is built on. On the outside, there is the prevailing misconception that running is a solitary pursuit attractive to those more reclusive types. A reasonable assertion, if one simply compares it to the more classic team sporting endeavours, but the ritual of the Sunday long run or the camaraderie at the finish line of a marathon quickly dispels any myths of an isolationist activity. In some strange way, the exclusivity of our individual running goals provides the glue that binds us as a community together. There is a competitive streak, no doubt, but sharing and being a part of another’s ambitions can be just as rewarding. Not unlike a recent Saturday morning in our city of runners, Brisbane. This story does begin with an individual but ends with a community raising him from the ashes and guiding him home.
COVID-19 put an end to many dreams this year, and it did the same to Watts Athletic runner Ric Zanetti. Ric had a spot on the start line of the New York City Marathon, however, not to be deterred organised to run the race on home soil along the Brisbane river and to raise money for Men’s health and suicide prevention. You can read more about Ric’s motivation here. Starting in New Farm Park, the run took Ric and the team towards Portside, then back upstream to West End and then returning to New Farm Park and the finish. At 4 am the gun fired, and he was away, supported by a healthy group of early risers. Like many marathons early reports were positive, and optimism was high for a good day. Ric, sporting a well-groomed moustache and channelling the great Robert “Deeks” De Castilla was moving well. Not wishing to miss out on my much-needed beauty sleep I decided to jump into the action around the halfway mark. My sense told me that the days' drama would be portrayed in the 2nd half. Even Deeks would attest that the race only starts around 20miles (32km).
Ric was never alone supported by a group of friends and family throughout, some running, some cycling in support; and by other well-wishers who came out to support along the route. The day was warming up though, and fatigue was starting to bite. Perhaps it was a lack of runners and races, but it was soon apparent today was not going to be a day where the marathon Gods would be merciful. Fatigue was playing its part, but the body was also starting to fail. Cramp was playing havoc, compounded by some dehydration, the critical salt /water balance had shifted too far, and Ric was in trouble. The crew grabbed some extra supplies at the west end markets, but the damage was done, and it was a race of survival now, the focus had shifted to just getting our man home. The cramps continued, worst through the botanical gardens, at times like being struck by a stray bullet, forcing Ric to the ground in agony. Dazed and confused and yelling profanity; Ric clawed himself back to his feet and muscled on. Again, he went to ground and again he got back up. This was the moment; I was reminded there was something bigger at play. Perhaps it was Ric’s determination that was the catalyst, but I am convinced that it is something that is always there something below the surface, and something very human. Perhaps it just takes the magic of the marathon to open our eyes. The group closed ranks, growing ever in number now, even though they could not run the final kms for him, there was a power in that connection, and Ric I am sure drew strength and comfort from it. There was a shared sense of purpose, Ric was determined to make it home and the group was going to make sure it happened. Ric did make it to New Farm Park and finished his marathon, but together we were all buoyed by the experience. Hats off to you for the run, but more so for the opportunity to share it with you.
Full Interview with Ric himself to follow soon....