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Drew's Blog

Running with the greats...

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

As I woke up this morning, I realized that today was the day that I most anticipated. Today was the day that I would visit the "new coliseum", the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest. As we drove up to the stadium, my jaw dropped to the floor. The building that was on my television all day, was now right in front of me. And before I knew it, I was knocking the hollow steel. The structure looked like a puzzle, and all I could wonder was how this tremendous building was thought of and created. I stepped through towards the field and soaked it in. I ran down the steps and onto the track, just spinning around looking at what was surrounding me. As I finished looking at the beautiful structure around me, I thought of a great idea. I wanted to run around the track. It actually started off as a 100 yard race with Daniel (he used to run track and beat me, not by much though!). We closed our competition with a jog. The most amazing part, however, was as I finished I realized that I ran around a track where world records were broken, and were the best athletes in the world stood. As a child, you always want to be a professional athlete, even with the odds against you. As you grow older, you find that those dreams may not necessarily come true. But mine did, I was running where the greats have been. It may not be the Olympics, but it is the closest thing to it. It was as if I were an Olympian.

6 comments:

rozie13 said...

What a dream come true!! It had to be such an astounding feeling walking into that stadium & running around that track...wish I was you!

Unknown said...

drew- what a little writer you are sir. It sounds like you are having the time of your life (i will wait to tell you I told you so when you get home!) Have I mentioned I am really proud of you? Or that you are ridiculously good looking? Miss you pal. Write back to me on FB and tell that friend of yours Dan I would like to meet him! Oh and I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU <3

Karen Wells said...

What a great title you have chosen for this post! I love the fact that you seized the opportunity and literally "ran with it." You never know when another great opportunity will present itself so always be ready to take advantage of any opportunity you get. My guess is another one might come soon - maybe even tomorrow! Karen Wells DSA South Africa

Unknown said...

One of my favorite TV shows is Amazing Race. Reading your blog reminds me of that show, and I'm living vicariously through your experiences. Looking forward to future blogs...Laura (your mom's cousin)

Michael Migliaro said...

Drew it seems like your having a great time in china. i just got back from hockey camp and it was brutal, but now im devoting all my time on your blog. i miss u man. KEEP UP THE HARD WORK!!!

RJ Stangherlin said...

You did a great job of tying in your post's title to the end of your reflections. As an English teacher, I just loved that. A+!

You made me walk down memory lane on this one:

"As a child, you always want to be a professional athlete, even with the odds against you. As you grow older, you find that those dreams may not necessarily come true. But mine did, I was running where the greats have been. It may not be the Olympics, but it is the closest thing to it. It was as if I were an Olympian."

Beautifully and poignantly expressed. Really am enjoying your posts.

RJ Stangherlin
PA DEN Leadership Council Blog Coordinator

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Essential Programs Details

Duration 15 days
When August 4th - 18th, 2009
Focus History/Culture
Martial Arts
Modern/Ancient Architecture