Emil Zatopek, a four time Olympic champion, once said, “If you want to win something run a 100 metre sprint. But if you want to experience something run a marathon.”
A marathon is an extreme journey that demands resilience, determination, will power and great focus. This week, in Monday Truclusions, I want to introduce you to a very special couple and then to an equally special event as a run up to India Inclusion Summit 2018.
The Marathon Journey Of Kaitlyn & Matt
Couple of years ago, Somerville’s Kaitlyn’s life changed when her boy-friend Matt suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralysed below his neck. Inspired by the hard work Matt was putting in to recover from his life-altering injury, she promised Matt that she would complete that year’s Boston Marathon. But while she was going through the run, her body cramped up and couldn’t get to the finishing line. But she promised to herself and to Matt that she will complete the marathon this year along with her boy-friend.
Kaitlyn ran 26.2 km, pushing Matt on his wheelchair all the way. But they could not officially qualify for the race. This didn’t deter their hopes and they created their own race day and ran the marathon route a week prior to the race. Even this time Kaitlyn pushed Matt on his wheelchair for the whole race!
With little support from Boston based company “HOTSHOT” and local professional athletes, they finished their unfinished business. Together they have created awareness and raised funds for progressive spinal cord injuries. The couple completed the run in 5 hours and 28 minutes and are working to better their time in future runs.
Food For Thought
Give it a thought people, why is running a marathon such a challenge? I think it’s because it takes months of preparation. It isn’t easy especially for amateur runners to keep the momentum and train hard for a long time, and be ready for the marathon.
One also needs to endure pain and go through long painful runs. They need to endure blisters, sores and aches. There is no time for recovery. Marathon runners don’t stop at the wall, they run through it, head first and stop at nothing until they reach their goal.
People tend to learn a lot about themselves. They discover traits they never knew existed in them. Marathons could be a personality building exercise all together. One can learn how far one can push his or her limits and motivate oneself in all aspects of life.
Inclusive Walkathon By India Inclusion Summit
Now why am I telling you about marathons today? That is because…
The 14th October is going to be the Inclusive Walkathon being organised by the India Inclusion Summit. It is an attempt to create awareness about disability and inclusion in the society. Both able-bodied and the differently-abled will be there to support the cause. On a Sunday early morning, over a 1000 people will be standing on the starting line of the walkathon!
Will you be there and be part of another inclusive page in the history being penned?
If yes, register soon @ https://www.eventzalley.com/event/inclusive-walkathon-2018/
In case you couldn’t make it, read more about the walkathon next week in Monday Truclusions!
Liked reading this? Then you might also like to read Monday Truclusions – How Combating Pride & Ego Can Lead To Your Growth!
If there’s any story that needs to be told, we will tell it. Write to us at contact@knowyourstar.com with your story lead, or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.