He Yuwen, a 41-year-old marathon runner, refuses to let knee surgeries deter her from exploring the world. Despite facing challenges, He remains resolute in her passion for running. In 2015, she secured a coveted spot in the Beijing Marathon and triumphantly completed the race at the renowned Bird’s Nest National Stadium, despite her initial lack of experience.
For He, running has evolved into a means of immersing herself in different cultures and landscapes. One poignant memory she cherishes is from Tokyo in 2019, where she ran amidst cherry blossoms gently falling along a riverbank. This experience fueled her ambition to participate in major global marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon, as part of her quest to run across the world.
However, He’s journey hit a roadblock when she suffered a meniscus injury during specialized training. This setback led to a surgery to address cartilage spurs, which affected her running form. Despite enduring a previous knee injury from her university soccer days, He’s dedication to sports remains unyielding, as it brings her joy and vitality.
Following her recent surgery, He embarked on a cautious return to running, albeit with a modified stride due to the irreversibility of her knee injury. The lingering effects make her more susceptible to injuries, yet she remains undeterred, recognizing the importance of staying active, particularly as a middle-aged man confined to home life.
During a marathon in Qinhuangdao, He encountered an inspiring elderly man battling cancer, who exemplified resilience and determination by participating in races despite a grim prognosis. Witnessing his unwavering spirit and commitment to running left a lasting impact on He, reminding her of the profound words from Haruki Murakami’s book on running.
He’s journey underscores the transformative power of sports and the resilience it instills in individuals facing physical challenges. Her story serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of marathon runners who defy limitations and push beyond boundaries to pursue their passion for running and exploration.
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