I Left My Heart Knees In San Francisco
When I announced to friends last year I was moving to New York, they replied with uncertain reactions.
Though my news was unexpected, it wasn't a foolhardy choice. For years, the nomad in me had been looking for dramatic change. Given my options, what could be more drastic than switching coasts?
Almost a year has passed (!) and still the culture shift has been like New York itself: tough. So every few months, I put a point of light on my calendar: a trip to the West Coast to get in touch with the sunny, downtempo familiar.
Last year I ran a half marathon in San Francisco. It was the longest, hardest distance I'd ever tried. Though my thighs ached for a week and my knees creaked for months after, I had such a great time I vowed to return.
Though it's a fun event, there is a serious side: the race raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
In the freezing cold of an early morning start, the point was brought home by a young woman who was running for the first time and in memory of her mother in law.
As she described her sole reason for joining the race, tears welled in her eyes. I wasn't sure what to do or say in response, but never have the words "I'm sorry" had so many facets: I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sorry your still hurting. I'm sorry I asked the question.
I didn't get the woman's name, but I did see her during my own circuit around the city. Like me, she made her way alone. Unlike me, she seemed to be pushed forth by a dogged determination not to let a loved one down.
As for me, I was bouyed by the city itself. SF holds a great many good memories. Though I was ill-prepared to run, for 13.1 miles I delighted in the salt air, embraced the Embarcadero and plodded up and over endless killer hills. Toward the end of the race, I marveled at still-breathtaking views of the mighty Pacific crashing along Ocean Beach and reveled in the stately eucalyptus trees of Golden Gate Park.
Just being in San Francisco was a burst of joy, itself a dramatic change from my day-to-day life in New York. Though I walked almost the entire way, I went the distance and managed to finish close to last year's time.
Along the course, lots of people commented how they love this race for the feeling, the good weather and the general beauty of the course. On the shuttle back to the starting line, I did ask myself why I ever decided to leave this side of the country. After all, every time my plane touches down, I am instantly happier.
Perhaps it's true what they say: Friends often know you better than you know yourself.
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