During breeding season, flamingoes build nests near volcanic craters in saline swamps to protect their chicks. Once hat, the chicks face scorching sun and salty lake water, their only hope lies 50 kilometers away in a freshwater area. They can only proceed with their tender cl.
This is akin to the predicament I once faced: a past of smoking and excessive drinking, a habit of laziness, and issues with age, weight, lack of systematic training. "Can I do it?" I asked myself countless times before deciding to act. While others relaxed, I was running, with the goal of completing a21-kilometer race.
On October 21st, just a few days before the race, I suffered a muscle strain in my right calf while running 1 kilometers. The doctor advised me to withdraw, and the pain felt like a shackle, making every step an excruciating experience.
On October 26th, the Linyi Marathon began. With the starting gun fired, I staggered forward. The front runners dispersed in confusion, and runners around me kept overtaking me. The of the crowd and the sound of drums pierced the air, but my world was silent, with only the sound of heavy breathing and the thumping of my heart, as if me to give up. I looked at my companions who had already reached the finish line, and a mix of envy and despair filled my heart.
I realized that even if I the "freshwater lake" of this marathon, it would only be a comma in the journey of life, with more unknown challenges ahead. I might still be weak and unable catch up with those who went before me. But as long as I am alive and can still take a step, I will not stop. I believe that like every family member of Jiayun who signed up for the marathon, I am a warrior of life.
These 21 kilometers were a testament to the indomitable spirit of life that I wrote all my strength. Today's struggles will become the proud traces of tomorrow.
Keep going!
(Liu Zhenjun/Production Department 1)
