Before Tottenham Hotspur took the field on Sunday, the author had been watching another sporting event that captured his attention even more, the marathon. It was a moment when he realized the power of endurance and human determination.
The autumn marathon season is in full swing. The races in Chicago and Berlin have already taken place, while New York awaits in the coming weekend. Meanwhile, a marathon was held in Washington D.C., an event the author had personally participated in twice, in 2018 and 2022. Since then, he has returned every year at least as a spectator to encourage runners during their most difficult moments.
This time he chose a spot near Smithsonian station between the nineteenth and twentieth kilometer of the course. He arrived later than planned, so he mainly saw participants running at a slower pace. He noticed their fatigue as well as their determination to keep going despite the pain.
The sound of a marathon varies depending on where one stands. It can be the rhythmic tapping of fast runners’ shoes or the quiet shuffling of those struggling with their last reserves of strength. This mix of sounds reminded him how unique this sport is because ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
Every runner ultimately battles not only with the course but also with self-doubt. Whether it is an elite athlete or an amateur who moved from the couch to their first marathon, they all face the same opponent, their own mind.
The author adds that his sporting ambitions are far from over. He plans to register for a local half-marathon and a ten-kilometer race before looking for a suitable spring marathon. The atmosphere of this event reminded him why he loves sport so much, for the sense of challenge and shared joy in movement.
