Marathon Adventure

“We are a mere dot in the ocean…”
-Shyam Selvadurai
“Cinnamon Gardens”, a novel

Twenty five years ago today:

July 20, 1986
Sunday

Mark Landreth and his older brother (a surprising FAT one—at that) made it to my house in the early morning hours. We were off to San Francisco for the MARATHON adventure in Mark’s car. We had a late start but it didn’t stop us. We did it! However, I was only able to do “seventeen miles” because I stupidly wore my Dad’s 8 ½ size tennis shoe. I was dying. I had to stop. I had run in the shoes before but not for such a long-distance. I needed more toe room. The blisters were murder.

I arranged for Tony and Helen to pick me up because I never found Mark and his brother again. Mark did call me later though.

Ron Leoni called to check-up on me, too.
Ron said, “Yeah, I had to call my Dad to wire me more money.”

From this statement I got the impression that he doesn’t seem to be doing too well for himself. Ron went on and on about how his (Pharmacist) dad had been lecturing him.

I watched ALFRED HITCHCOCK Presents with mom and dad on this night. I soaked my feet while watching the show. I lounged, bathed and recovered from the MARATHON adventure for most of the day. Sadly, the sores and blisters on my feet were not feeling so good.

“A wise son gives joy not only to his father but also to the entire world.”
-The Tirukkural, v.68