“with hope in our hearts and wings on our heels…”

Once upon a time, there was this piece of vinyl called a 45. You know, one of those single songs. You could listen to it on something called a “record player”. Pretty wild, I know. A record player was a rather large contraption. It had something called a “needle” which was used to actually ‘play’ the record.

Well, anyway..i am telling you about this because a memory came to me back from 1981. It doesn’t actually seem that long ago when I look at the year, 1981. But it was, almost 30 years ago. Yikes!

1981 was the year Chariots of Fire came to the movie theaters. I went to see the movie and was awestruck. I was 11 years old, by the way. From one of the first scenes, I was captured. The men were running along the beach with the theme song playing. I felt like I fell in love. Drama. Running. Great music. I know i didn’t understand parts of the film, but I got the parts that mattered the most. In fact, it wasn’t even that i understood, it was more like it just seeped into my brain, my blood. The passion, the joy, the commitment. The fire that comes from striving to pull out everything you’ve got for that which you are committed. The enormous pleasure that can come from daunting pain. The conflict and the battle that comes from wrestling with self-doubt & then confidence & then self-doubt…and a ferocious desire to be the best.

To be the best you.

We had a record player in the house. After seeing the movie, I HAD TO HAVE THE RECORD…the theme song, Chariots of Fire! Sometime in the spring of 1982, I was to participate in a local track meet in the 100 yard dash. I was thrilled beyond words. The event was to be held a a local high school, at night, under the lights. Man, was i excited!

Prior to heading over to the event, we were listening to the record. Mom pumped up the volume and her and my siblings did our slow motion ‘Chariots of Fire’ run around our living room. I never knew if she thought I was silly to do that , but she indulged me and I was happy.

Later that evening, I ran my 100 yd dash event. I won. (that was probably the fastest i have ever been!!)

I cannot explain the thrill. The proud moment I had as a little kid.

March 14: 6 miles, outside

March 13: 6 miles, outside

March 10: 3.25 miles, treadmill

March 9: 3 miles, outside

7 Days