The difference between long distance running and long distance cycling
Posted by Ben on | May 21, 2007
After watching Campbell, Simon and Co compete in the Great Ocean Road Marathon I could see that long distance running and long distance cycling have a lot in common.
- Mental toughness
- Fitness
- Stubbornness
- Training
- Huge amounts of food
- Constant battle with the elements.
But I could also see a major difference. Bleeding nipples!
The constant abrasion of the t-shirts on a few male competitors’ nipples had worn them down until they were bleeding. Not just little specks of blood, but a circle of blood roughly 5cm (2inches) in diameter, connected to a thin red line flowing down to their shorts.
I simply could not take that. I would stop, sook and wait for the sag wagon. These guys didn’t. They took the pain, the inconvenience of their appearance and just kept on to the finish line. Hats off to you gentlemen.
These bloody nipples have taught me that everyday people are capable of extraordinary things and sporting heroes are not only found on TV. It has also taught me to consider a very light and well worn t-shirt if I ever consider doing a marathon.
Marathon runners I salute you! And I don’t mean that in a smart-arse kinda way either!
I look forward to cheering you all on next year.
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2 Responses to “The difference between long distance running and long distance cycling”
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May 22nd, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Thats why you put rape(gaffa) tape on them.
May 22nd, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
One of the times when a hairy chest is a blessing- the hair holds my t-shirt well clear of my nips.