26.2 Miles of Inspiration
Today was the Nike Women’s Marathon.
Today it is so not a big deal that women run marathons.
Yet, 1984 was the first time women were allowed to compete in the marathon at the Olympics.
The exclusion was, in part, for their own protection: people believed that long distance running was bad for women’s reproductive organs. (They used to think that higher education was bad for women’s health, too, because it would divert blood to the brain, away from the uterus, and render a woman barren .)
I’m sure a lot of smart and well-intentioned people held these beliefs. It’s still crazy, though.
But I want to get back to the 1984 Olympics.
Because I was there. I was 10 years old. It was hot and crowded, and I remember bringing a book to the stadium so that I’d have something to do during the long hours of track and field events.
And so I had no way to appreciate this:
It’s incredible, isn’t it? I remember my dad telling me that day that this was something I needed to watch, that it was an important, historic moment. I don’t think I was AS inspired at 10 yrs old as I would be much later in life, but I do remember wanting to run a marathon after seeing Joan cross that line. We do take it for granted, don’t we? I think it’s an important reminder and one I certainly need to impress upon my young female athletes! Wonderful post Kim!
Thanks Erika! I’m feeling really inspired to run a marathon. I want to find my own way to make it fun — I want to enjoy the process, and really work with my body as my partner. This feels like the beginning of something good!