This marathon was unlike any other marathon I have run before. Getting here, I had some great runs and some runs I would like to never experience again. I got strep in the middle of training. And then, two weeks before the marathon, a disc in my back slipped a little and pinched a nerve and I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to even run this. Let alone do it in drag. After a few doctor's appointments, an x-ray, an MRI, and some medication, I got a call on the Thursday before race day clearing me to run. I knew I had to change all my expectations of what my race would like to ensure that I would still take care of my body. Getting to this day was a culmination of so many little moments.
Moments - oh how I love my moments. Nikki Lodeon came to me one moment on a run as did the idea of running this marathon as Nikki. Since running inspires me creatively, it only felt right to bring Nikki to one of the greatest stages in the world. Also, when hearing so much anti-lgbtq legislation on the news it made the decision to run in drag that much easier. Running this in drag was a marathon in of itself but, this is only half the “story” (more to come on that with time).
Much like Nikki’s story and this weekend's race, marathons represent so much of life. We are all running a marathon of sorts. Running to fight for equal rights. Running to highs and hitting some lows. Running to experience life. All of it takes time. Progress might feel slow but, take it one step at a time. Eventually, you will get to one of those coveted euphoric race days when there is so much to celebrate and be proud of all the whole still learning so much. Then after it is over, the disbelief that that was something you accomplished will linger in the air while reveling in such a massive win. And this weekend perfectly encapsulated that.
Marathon Sunday was a surreal day and it was nothing short of spectacular. There was so much humanity visible on the streets of New York and it was truly an honor to be just one person in the sea of faces. It all served as a great reminder that… Drag is Art. Representation matters. Sometimes all you can do is take it one step at a time. A drag queen can run a marathon. The human spirit is strong. Life is a marathon. And this moment in life was a great mile with a lot of highs and ya, some lows. But, my marathon is still just beginning. So, why don’t you lace up those shoes and join me, even if it might just be for a moment?
