Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
search menu
The news from Broad Ripple
Brought to you by The Broad Ripple Gazette
(Delivering the news since 2004, every two weeks)
Subscribe to Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
Brought to you by:
VirtualBroadRipple.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com

Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2015 05 01arrowColumn

back button return to index button next button
Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n09)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Last in Physical, First in Spirit - by Laura Minor
posted: May 01, 2015

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Last in Physical, First in Spirit.

In our "first world" society sometimes we find ourselves getting caught up in frivolous problems such as a low cell phone charge, a lukewarm latte, or pesky drivers. I, from time to time, am guilty as charged. However, it is refreshing and eye opening to witness situations that can put the preciousness of life into perspective. I was fortunate enough to return to Boston to run the marathon on April 20th and participating in this event always make me so grateful and this year was certainly no exception.
The weather forecast was nothing short of bleak. The forecast called for significant rain accumulation and winds gusting from 20-30 mph from the east. You see, the vast majority of marathons, as most races, are a general loop. So, if you have wind, you will likely have it head on and also at your back for roughly half of the time. BUT, Boston is a point to point marathon. . . starting 26.2 miles from a small town in the west and heading east to end in Boston. Yes, you got that right, a strong head wind the ENTIRE time. Having been crazy lucky enough to have never run this distance in rain once, I was super nervous and pouty. "Woe is me." I kept thinking to myself and aloud to the likely annoyance of my husband. I was certain that it was going to be a treacherous experience and that the weather was going to keep people from coming out to spectate and felt awful for my family that drove 15 hours to do just that.
Well, I am happy to say that I was dead wrong. NOTHING keeps the people of Boston from coming out on Patriot's Day, their very own holiday, to support the runners, the Red Sox, and their beloved city. As I ran along in the rain, I began to realize that the bad weather, a potential disappointing finish time, my recent painful experience with a kidney stone, and other challenges in my life was so small and petty to the grand scheme of things.
I have one inspiring story that embodies to power of the human spirit to overcome what may seem the impossible. The marathon has several physically challenged participants from amputees, blind, and various disabilities many of which require the help of guides. Around mile four in the cold, rain and wind, I came upon such an individual who was slowly walking with the help of a guide. His gait showed a very serious neuromuscular disorder yet he was plodding along with a mission. I thought to myself "Wow, how cool. He must be doing a couple of miles. That's amazing." Yeah, I felt quite a bit less sorry for myself and a bit ashamed about my earlier whining as I slapped the hands of little kids who must have been freezing, yet were excited to be out there to help us get to that finish line.
And sure enough it happened. . . I crossed the finish line in one piece and had yet another amazing experience despite my earlier and selfish feelings of impending doom. I luckily witnessed a marriage proposal which brought a tear to my eye. My loving family welcomed me and we shared an awesome celebratory meal together. I felt like a pretty lucky girl.
Wait I got off track. . . back to the inspiring story. As I sat in the airport waiting to return to Indy I was killing time on Facebook. I came upon an article titled "Inspiring Venezuelan Man Last to Finish Boston Marathon in 20 Hours." So, of course, I had to see what this was about. To my AMAZEMENT, sure enough it was the gentleman I had seen around 11:00am the day of the marathon. His name is Maickel Melamed, a 38-year-old with a severe form of muscular dystrophy. He walked the entire course with the help of several volunteers and ended around 5:00am Tuesday morning amidst torrential downpours and thunderstorms; particularly in the last few miles. I was blown away by his attitude, perseverance and wisdom as I watched a video of his interview.
"After 20 hours of rain wind and cold, Boston's still strong. It was real tough but I was marveled by this amazing team. One problem, one solution. One problem, one solution. One problem, one solution. And that speaks to the human power. When we connect to each other in teamwork, we can do anything. It's a message for everyone; it's a message for the world that when altogether we can create amazing stuff, and in teamwork we can connect our strengths to create amazing stuff."
So simply put, yet brilliant and spot on. Gosh, and how well to put me in my place. While I laid my head in a comfortable bed, this man beat all odds to finish what he started; along with dozens of gracious volunteers literally singing with him across the famous line on Boylston Street. Maickel hasn't let his disability or what society has probably told him what he "can't" do hundreds or thousands of times over his life hold him back. In fact, he turned his situation into "ability" and is a true inspiration to the will of the human spirit. He may have come in dead last, but to me, he is the true winner. So, despite our problems albeit large or small, attitude, perspective, teamwork and determination can never hurt. Thank you Maickel for the reminder 😄



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
back button return to index button next button
Brought to you by:
BroadRippleHistory.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com
Brought to you by:
EverythingBroadRipple.com RandomRipplings.com Broad Ripple collector pins