The Monster I Created
As I reflect on how far Marc, and I have come—not just in our relationship but also in our journey as amateur athletes—I’m both proud and amused by the transformation. When I first met Marc, running and cycling were foreign concepts to him. Back then, he couldn’t have imagined participating in running as a recreational activity, let alone cycle long distances or discussing them with any level of enthusiasm or expertise. As the years spent in the army running was not for fun. Now, not only can he hold his own in conversations about training strategies and gear, but he’s also more than capable of keeping up with runners and cyclists’ decades younger than him.
Marc has meticulously planned his races for 2025, with an eye already on 2026. His commitment has grown so strong that missing a training session—for any reason, be it weather, injury, or early morning obligations—feels like a personal failure. It’s as though I’ve recreated myself in him. They say we create ourselves in the image of our gods. So perhaps, in this case, I’m the goddess.
Our evenings are now filled with discussions about running routes, cycling trails, and upcoming events. By morning, we’re often up before dawn, sometimes as early as 3:30, going through a warm-up routine before heading out the door. The rhythm of our shared commitment has become second nature—a kind of sacred ritual that binds us closer together.
Still, I can’t help but marvel at the “monster” I’ve created: someone who now mirrors my passion and drive. It’s a beautiful irony. What started as a shared hobby has become an integral part of our lives, shaping not just our bodies but our bond. Together, we’ve become the kind of people who thrive on chasing the sunrise, one mile at a time.
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