Driving past Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, I saw preparations for today’s (Sunday 27 Oct) Marine Corps Marathon, and the scene brought back a flood of memories, most of them good, some not so good.
I know the heartache of losing a beloved dog all too well. My Blue Heeler left this mortal coil on 7 Feb 2001 and we still feel it. We would get another, but we are too old to cater to the high energy needs of a young Blue Heeler.
Marathons are destructive of the human body. A 5K is the longest I would run. I always finished mid-pack as I was never much of a fast runner. I could endure well, though.
I know that terrible feeling. After we got home from that final visit to the vet, the only thing we could do was remove any sign that our boy was ever there. Only into cupboards mind you, but it was just too painful seeing his toys, or his bed.
He always got the last bit from our plates and for weeks we left that sample aside out of habit. Or I would find myself looking at the spot he always emerged from when dragging his ass out of bed in the morning.
I've heard multiple times that the best thing to do is to get another dog before the loss of your current one, or failing that immediately after. We did not listen to that advice and I regret it because the pain of his loss still makes me cringe at the thought of going through it again. It is so silly because you shouldn't let 10+ years of joy be destroyed because of the memory of those final minutes, but alas that's how it goes sometimes.
Again, a look into the consequences for ourselves, when living, those chapters in the book of life. But the time after losing something, is often times a mirror into our thoughts, hopes and wants. And sometimes it's that simple daily act, or mind picture of a place, you remember. For the loss of people, we all have and will go thru, it's the memory of a voice, that we sometimes think of, being always " on the wind" afterward. Someone once said, that a tree and it's leaves are the Harp those voices are played on. It has now just made sense to me, my fellow NROTC Whaoo, why the state flower of Virginia is a Dogwood, as that is their gift to all such animal owners.. Listen to the wind....and smile...
I had been a runner in my late 30's - 40's. Co- workers and I would do a noon time 4 mile loop around the facility. I remember the initial agony of getting to the two mile point. As time went on the two mile point was where my body gave up and said OK I guess I will run the other 2miles. After passing the 2 mile point it seemed like I could run forever. The first 2 miles were always a struggle.
We added another 2 miles with a loop around the dirigible hanger. Eventually I wanted to try a half marathon. A co-worker and I started upping our distance. That is when I started listening to my body and specifically my right ankle that would get a pain like being stabbed with an icepick. My wee bit of intelligence kicked in and told me I wanted to be able to walk at 60 and beyond and stopped running. Eventually I had to give up riding my horse, line dancing, hiking, and racing my sailboat
So, here I am at 89 and still walking.
Now if I can live long enough to visit his grave on the golf course and piss on it.
Bryan, sorry about the loss of the dogs. They are family members and really not replaceable, although I think if you get another one, you would love it equally. I remember you running that MCM. I love your account here as it captures some of the race highlights and the challenge — the human nature of the lower GI, and everything beyond Haines Point. think I ran that same one, or the year before or after with the Paynes (they have a great story about looking for me in the medical tent, as they could not believe anyone could take that long). It was my second and as shocking as you will find this, I did not train much. Five hours & 30 minutes plus was grueling, so your 4 hours plus very respectable. I had run it in 1981 in about 3:40, so understood the time it takes to train and prepare. I did revisit in 2003, my last, and was under five hours. Our motto at that point was, “Beat the Bus” which sweeps the course for all those not beyond the bridge at mile 22 by a certain time. The point here ….. life accomplishment and experience, no matter how you did it. I loved the environment, and regret none. Im not sure that those marathons did not actually help hold off any osteoarthritis. Our medical conditions now great topics of tailgaters! So I raise my glass to you sir!
My German Shorthair Pointer has 3 sofas! I’ve had 4 GSPS since 1990. I made a “get what you wish for” statement that I believe I could raise another puppy. That was five years ago.
I extend my deepest condolences to you and Katherine as you journey through the empty space left by Zuzu and Baloo. I lost my second cat months ago. (Could it be 6 by now?) Finally, I am able to walk past the pet food aisle in stores and not have my heart drop. The feeling of always being "on" for a pet who is no more is such a constant sad little shock to the system.
As for the MCM, I had no idea you ran a marathon. Good for you, my friend. I'm a retired runner myself (35 years of it, more marathons and ultras than I publicly will divulge, lest you think I'm a freak. I'm not, I swear!) I never did the MCM but thought it would be fun. I did the Army 10-Miler once though. I'll never forget when I ran past an aid station, all of them manned by Army staff, I shouted out, "Go Army! Beat Navy!" The table and all surrounding staff in the area lit up in a cheer you wouldn't believe. Am I banished from this blog now? 😁
Lovely "Kodak moment." No doubt you treasure many like that. These are beautiful memories that we cherish and ache in our souls. We have to live with it... God bless the dogs! (And the US Navy, BTW!)
I know the heartache of losing a beloved dog all too well. My Blue Heeler left this mortal coil on 7 Feb 2001 and we still feel it. We would get another, but we are too old to cater to the high energy needs of a young Blue Heeler.
Marathons are destructive of the human body. A 5K is the longest I would run. I always finished mid-pack as I was never much of a fast runner. I could endure well, though.
I know that terrible feeling. After we got home from that final visit to the vet, the only thing we could do was remove any sign that our boy was ever there. Only into cupboards mind you, but it was just too painful seeing his toys, or his bed.
He always got the last bit from our plates and for weeks we left that sample aside out of habit. Or I would find myself looking at the spot he always emerged from when dragging his ass out of bed in the morning.
I've heard multiple times that the best thing to do is to get another dog before the loss of your current one, or failing that immediately after. We did not listen to that advice and I regret it because the pain of his loss still makes me cringe at the thought of going through it again. It is so silly because you shouldn't let 10+ years of joy be destroyed because of the memory of those final minutes, but alas that's how it goes sometimes.
Nice look back; good memories. Thanks for sharing.
THAT is a wonderful photo of Zuzu and Baloo. Beautiful dogs.
Again, a look into the consequences for ourselves, when living, those chapters in the book of life. But the time after losing something, is often times a mirror into our thoughts, hopes and wants. And sometimes it's that simple daily act, or mind picture of a place, you remember. For the loss of people, we all have and will go thru, it's the memory of a voice, that we sometimes think of, being always " on the wind" afterward. Someone once said, that a tree and it's leaves are the Harp those voices are played on. It has now just made sense to me, my fellow NROTC Whaoo, why the state flower of Virginia is a Dogwood, as that is their gift to all such animal owners.. Listen to the wind....and smile...
No marathons for me. Walking is better for my original equipment. Couch looks like a nap waiting. Peace.
I had been a runner in my late 30's - 40's. Co- workers and I would do a noon time 4 mile loop around the facility. I remember the initial agony of getting to the two mile point. As time went on the two mile point was where my body gave up and said OK I guess I will run the other 2miles. After passing the 2 mile point it seemed like I could run forever. The first 2 miles were always a struggle.
We added another 2 miles with a loop around the dirigible hanger. Eventually I wanted to try a half marathon. A co-worker and I started upping our distance. That is when I started listening to my body and specifically my right ankle that would get a pain like being stabbed with an icepick. My wee bit of intelligence kicked in and told me I wanted to be able to walk at 60 and beyond and stopped running. Eventually I had to give up riding my horse, line dancing, hiking, and racing my sailboat
So, here I am at 89 and still walking.
Now if I can live long enough to visit his grave on the golf course and piss on it.
Bryan, sorry about the loss of the dogs. They are family members and really not replaceable, although I think if you get another one, you would love it equally. I remember you running that MCM. I love your account here as it captures some of the race highlights and the challenge — the human nature of the lower GI, and everything beyond Haines Point. think I ran that same one, or the year before or after with the Paynes (they have a great story about looking for me in the medical tent, as they could not believe anyone could take that long). It was my second and as shocking as you will find this, I did not train much. Five hours & 30 minutes plus was grueling, so your 4 hours plus very respectable. I had run it in 1981 in about 3:40, so understood the time it takes to train and prepare. I did revisit in 2003, my last, and was under five hours. Our motto at that point was, “Beat the Bus” which sweeps the course for all those not beyond the bridge at mile 22 by a certain time. The point here ….. life accomplishment and experience, no matter how you did it. I loved the environment, and regret none. Im not sure that those marathons did not actually help hold off any osteoarthritis. Our medical conditions now great topics of tailgaters! So I raise my glass to you sir!
My German Shorthair Pointer has 3 sofas! I’ve had 4 GSPS since 1990. I made a “get what you wish for” statement that I believe I could raise another puppy. That was five years ago.
I extend my deepest condolences to you and Katherine as you journey through the empty space left by Zuzu and Baloo. I lost my second cat months ago. (Could it be 6 by now?) Finally, I am able to walk past the pet food aisle in stores and not have my heart drop. The feeling of always being "on" for a pet who is no more is such a constant sad little shock to the system.
As for the MCM, I had no idea you ran a marathon. Good for you, my friend. I'm a retired runner myself (35 years of it, more marathons and ultras than I publicly will divulge, lest you think I'm a freak. I'm not, I swear!) I never did the MCM but thought it would be fun. I did the Army 10-Miler once though. I'll never forget when I ran past an aid station, all of them manned by Army staff, I shouted out, "Go Army! Beat Navy!" The table and all surrounding staff in the area lit up in a cheer you wouldn't believe. Am I banished from this blog now? 😁
Hardly! I'm sorry about your cat. Be well!
Lovely "Kodak moment." No doubt you treasure many like that. These are beautiful memories that we cherish and ache in our souls. We have to live with it... God bless the dogs! (And the US Navy, BTW!)