From the Sidelines
A few weeks back the 11th annual McMurdo Marathon took place. Even crazier is that for a few participants, it was their first marathon ever! Lucky for everyone the conditions the day of the race were perfect. However, given the extreme possibilities, I have great respect for those who were either bold or naive enough to commit themselves to such a feat. I was unaware that skiers were allowed to participate or I might have dared join the ranks. Instead I woke to wish the racers well and then skied out to Willy Field at my leisure to cheer them on along the way. My friend, Dan, who told me before the race that he was going to resist running out front for fear of bonking, was the third person to reach the break station at Willy, falling behind two racers on skis! He managed to stay strong, finishing first on foot. It was a victorious day for all who participated. Everyone who started the race, finished. All with a smile.
The starting line at Pegasus airfield
Dan with an early lead
Frosty Alan!
Eric’s 1st marathon
The following weekend the Americans met the Kiwis on the rugby field. Each year the Americans have high hopes of being the first team to defeat the Kiwis at their native sport. The men and women of the McMurdo team seemed particularly driven and determined this year.
I walked with a few of my girlfriends to the rugby field where we joined an anxious crowd wrapped in layers of warm clothing. The opposing teams took their places across from one another on the field. I noticed one of the Kiwis on the front line, Lucas, begin to grunt and stick his tongue out and roll his eyes back while imitating a bull before charging a flag. Soon the rest of the team joined him in the traditional Maori war dance known as the huka. It was impressive and intimidating, not to mention mesmerizing. After a few minutes of taking it all in, the American team joined arms in a straight line and began marching forward slowly in what appeared to be an attempt to signal a welcome to their challenge.
The Americans, god bless ’em, put up a worthy fight. The Kiwis only scored once and although it was ruled incomplete the Americans came excitingly close to tying the game. Cheering from the sidelines I was sincerely impressed with the spirit our team displayed. Rugby is a brute game, much more so than American football with protective gear. But this didn’t stop even the smallest of players from diving into the pack. They all played their little hearts out. The Kiwis admitted this was the toughest competition they have had in years. Granted, we had been practicing all season for this game while the Kiwis didn’t have a single organized practice! However, just learning the rules of the game takes months and remains a mystery to many, including a few of those that were out there defending our honor.
The American team in transit to the rugby field!
The Maori huka dance
The Kiwi fans
The American fans
Me & Amanda trying to stay warm
Ball at their feet
Take down
Almost!
Go Black!
Both teams after the game
see more of my photos at: http://ej.smugmug.com
Tags: Travel
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