Family Marathon in the Rain: Our Wet and Wonderful Adventure
Have you ever wondered how a family bonds during a rainy marathon? Finding quality family time can be challenging in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. I’ve often had to turn down my wife and son’s requests to watch movies because of my English classes and work obligations, frequently placing these responsibilities ahead of spending time with my family. Nevertheless, our family discovered a unique way to bond and stay active — participating in a marathon event.
We love taking part in marathons for various reasons. They give us a chance to connect and enjoy quality time with each other while also enhancing our physical fitness. Even though we may not always find the experience enjoyable, we believe in the many benefits of marathon participation. In this blog post, I’ll take you on our journey through the world of marathons.
Race Day: Overcoming Challenges and Starting Fresh
On a particular outing day, we overcame the challenges as we went out early at 5:30 AM, with the temperature around a comfortable 21–22 degrees Celsius. When the day started, everyone was excited. People were getting ready, putting on their shoes, and wearing fun shirts.
This event had different race lengths starting at different times. There were races for 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 4 kilometers. It was our first time participating in a race after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We decided to begin with the 4-kilometer race, considering our son’s participation this time. My wife and I felt that this distance was more appropriate for us.
The race began, and everyone started running. Even though the weather was not perfect, everyone was excited. It was great to see people of all ages, both men and women, joining in.
Taiwanese Marathon Rest Area
Now, let’s delve into a distinctive aspect of Taiwanese marathons that highlights the local culture. Marathons in Taiwan come in various forms, ranging from internationally recognized events to smaller, community-based races. The rest areas along the route set apart these local marathons, offering an enticing array of delectable local snacks and cuisine. For many runners, these mouthwatering treats are a significant draw, making participation all the more enticing. During one such race, we were treated to traditional Taiwanese dishes at these rest areas, and it was heartening to see participants enjoying the marathon’s culinary delights. You can glimpse one such rest area in the image below.
Regarding the marathon, we’re not so concerned about the time we spend on it; it’s all about the food, and we genuinely relish being part of it. So the duration isn’t a significant factor for us.
Taiwan’s Marathon Cuisine
We saw everyone flocking to the food stalls as we reached the rest area. These stalls were dishing out some delicious local snacks and food. Runners were practically drooling, eager to grab a bite and recharge. It’s one of the things that makes Taiwan’s marathons unique — the excellent local food you get to enjoy during the race.
And check out this funny picture I snapped! A lively food stall was right there at the marathon rest area. The vendor worked their magic, cooking a storm on a big grill. Some runners, even with rain ponchos, were waiting in line with excited smiles. The whole place had this festive vibe, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. It’s a perfect blend of the sports spirit and the rich local culture.
A Heavy Downpour: Unforgettable Marathon Moments
Continuing with our marathon story, there was something quite remarkable that happened. The weather took a turn for the worse, and we were met with a heavy downpour, making it a truly challenging experience.
People refused to let heavy rain discourage them from running the marathon. Some use umbrellas, while others keep going without any protection. It was surprising because we had all brought umbrellas, but many runners were undeterred and ran without any cover, which was quite impressive. They were focused solely on running the marathon, showing their determination. It makes the event unique despite the weather.
Another memorable moment was when I saw a young child running without any cover, and he seemed to be enjoying himself as he smiled throughout. It was a contrast to some runners who appeared tired. This child’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of the marathon stood out and left a strong impression on me.
There were people with cameras capturing these moments — moments of running in heavy rain without anyone stopping or giving up.
A Rainy Marathon: Bonding, Growth, and Family Fun
As we neared the end of this marathon, I asked my son if he’d be interested in joining the next one, perhaps selecting a longer 10-kilometer race compared to the one we were currently completing. He was curious about the potential benefits and incentives. He even brought up the idea of receiving a gift or reward for his participation, eagerly awaiting my proposal.
For myself, I tend to choose a longer distance than 4-kilometers next time, as my wife and I used to participate in 21-kilometer marathons before the pandemic. The 4-kilometer race is mainly for my son to get acquainted with marathons, and we understand the importance of gradually increasing the distance for him.
We were wet from the rain when we finished the race but happy. This marathon was a particular time for us. We learned new things, had fun, and spent time together. This was a day we’ll never forget!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a message.
Enjoy your day! :)
