"The Wall"
Photography by Rodney "Pygoya" Chang, 2007
Copyright 2007 Rodney Chang
Many marathoners "hit the
wall" at around 17-21 miles of the race of a standard 26.2 distance. This
is when the body depletes blood glucose and in order to keep running, resorts to
metabolizing glycogen from the liver for energy. The runer feels
exhausted, emotionally drained, and forces himself or herself to keep the legs
churning - not quitting. For
the annual Honolulu Marathon, this is along Kalanianaole Highway, a stretch of
highway in East Honolulu. Here are some photos of this stretch of miles,
running parallel to the coastline and valley suburbs. Although not considered the
most scenic segment of the course, the artist's eye assists in finding beauty to
help alleviate the agony of "the wall" of this usually hot and humid
marathon. The images are not presented in any order relative to the route
but as flashback memories during the course of this marathoner's experience.
