Ode to 29th street
In two weeks many talented runners will once again peregrinate to Wheeling to tackle yet another Ogden 20k race. Unfortunately for the second straight year I will not be among them. This year I have fallen to a sciatica problem that just seems to linger. It hurts not to be part of this historical race, but I will cheer on my friends and I have many that will be striving to conquer the tough 29th st hill. A few years back I wrote a small story about 29th St. How I viewed it as almost a living being. I have been asked to repeat that story in what I called “Ode to 29th st.”
Another showdown is forthcoming.
Many times I have traveled up 470 and peered over at you. Ah yes, you appear to be in hibernation waiting for that late, May Saturday morning to rear your ugly head like a serpent being stumbled upon.
But I know better.
Lesser men fear you…..I give you respect.
Did you miss me those years I could not run? No, I think not. You are incapable of emotion. You did not miss me or do you respect me. You do not care if I hurt.
You wish to wash me away like the rain washes the snow and dirt from your outer shell.
You are long and majestic….I am small in comparison.
You are asphalt and concrete…..I am flesh and bone.
You are ageless……and time has taken my talents.
You have attacked me not with fists or words but with allies like heat and humidity.
But I have something you have not my friend and foe. I have a soul and a mind.
I have perseverance and a will to survive. I am motivated and you my friend cannot takes these things away.
Yes, you have won a few battles over the years, but I have won my share.
And the thought of losing goes against what I have been taught.
I know you look upon me and do not care.
So will you win this time my friend?…….I think not.
I would give anything to be at the starting line once again. I guess there is always next year, but how many “next years” can I count on? Good luck to all of those venturing up 29th st. I ask only one thing…..don’t let him win!!!