Wonder Woman
08.05.08
I haven’t written because I haven’t been inspired; more like emotionally depleted, frankly. This due to upsetting stories recently faced by dear friends and various news articles—like CNN’s story revealing the plight of the hostages whom were rescued after years in captivity in the Columbian jungle and, worse, that the hostages began turning against one another. Allegedly, even the strong-willed French-Columbian President-elect was forced to fight for her life against rape from some of the fellow hostages.
Disparaging stories like these have put me in a bit of a funk, forcing me to question the decay of decency in mankind.
I’m no angel. I don’t sit on a fancy pedestal and shake my finger in judgment. I’ve never been in jail or at war or held hostage. I don’t know what kind of animal instincts may emerge when your survival is threatened, or that of your loved ones. But such extraordinary circumstances make me want to be the best me I can be in ordinary life. In love, friendship and work.
And then, this weekend, inspiration filled my heart as tears quietly settled in the corner of my eyes. My hope in the human spirit was rekindled by the strength of one woman – fueled by passion and pain – and one man—driven by a deep care and selflessness for others.
My girl friend had been training for her first Ironman triathlon with a team of people raising money to fight against cancer. Ironman triathlons are a grueling 2 1/4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and completed after a full-length marathon…this one, in the blazing hot, California summer sun. All in one day. One right after the other. She would be birthing this Ironman after 9-months of agonizing training.
About 2 months ago, she and her live-in boyfriend of 6 years ended their relationship. She was devastated! Instantly, she dropped 10 pounds despite that she had nothing left to lose.
Then just 3 weeks before race day, she crashed her bike while training, suffering from a broken shoulder and a head concussion. She was torn, tethered and bruised. The doctor advised against any more training. But this real-life Wonder-Woman swam, biked and ran on. And against all the odds, she competed in the Ironman competition in Northern California just this passed weekend.
Her family and friends cheered her on as she braved the water using one arm to paddle the 2 and 1/4 mile distance and as she passed up hundreds of competitors while biking the 112 mile terrain. Now left was just the run. The marathon. She hit it at the sun’s peak. A whopping 97 degrees. She was tired and clenching her broken shoulder closely to her body and her fist against her aching chest as she jogged the first 8-mile loop.
Her time was slower than normal. We all knew she was hurting. But she fought on. And alongside her was a soldier of sorts. This soldier was a teammate. And he had his own battle to win. But loop after loop, he jogged alongside her, helping her to keep pace and to keep the faith. At the sacrifice of his own Ironman time. And even when he had finally run ahead and was proudly crowned an official Ironman, that soldier ran back out. He ran that last 8-miles with Wonder Woman – to ensure she had the strength and courage to finish her feat. And she did.
Her strength and courage did not surprise. Still, her overall journey was awe-inspiring. And as for that solidier… his one, monumental act of selfess giving has restored my faith in the decency of man.
