confessions of an italian-canadian runner
Yesterday I mentioned the Rocky movie. I have a confession to make – the runner in me loves the Rocky movies. Well, that’s not 100% correct – I love the FIRST Rocky movie – the sequels (II to V) aren’t as good so forget they were ever made and watch the original Rocky movie. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed but that might just be because I’m of the male gender and have Italian ancestry. Anyway, other than the Italian-guy thing, why do I connect so strongly with this movie? Well, it’s all about parallels…
First of all, Rocky is an average, overweight, outta shape guy struggling with self-doubt and the rigors of building up a broken down body…hmmm.
His fight isn’t about winning against another person – it’s about going the distance…hmmm.
He isn’t fighting for anyone else. His is an internal challenge to prove he can achieve a goal…seems to be a trend developing here.
He knows he can’t win but he doesn’t care about that. Sound familiar? I don’t know about you but the last time I thought about coming in first in a race, I was in high school and, of course, the world became a much bigger place after high school. I’m in my 30′s and at a stage in life where everything is about personal challenge, growth and improving and I suspect you’re in the same mental/spiritual place.
If you’re a runner I think it’s impossible not to relate to Rocky’s story and, the more you increase your distances or speed, the stronger you will identify. I swear I’ve heard Rocky’s theme music in my head many times during marathons and particularly hard training runs!
Hell, there are even running scenes right in the movie. The first is early in his training where he is sucking wind (just like we all have) while the second ends with him victoriously climbing the stairs leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art!
As a runner, I find those two scenes, and the overall movie, irresistably inspirational. Many times when I’ve needed a lift I’ve looked no further than Rocky and I imagine I’ll do that well into the future.
Maybe it’ll work for you too!
Saturday May 08, 2004 @
I haven’t seen the movie in years but I remember the running sequence (by the tracks and up the steps) and of course the song can’t help but go through my head now and again – especially since I am still at the ‘sucking wind’ stage of my running
I’ll have to take another look – thanks!