The Books We Do Not Keep

An essay for paid subscribers only

I am changing my life again, which is annoying. Every time I come upon an epoch of personal change by choice, I reflect that I would like to be done evolving - finished, perfected, polished and shiny. I know this never happens - not when one completes a course of study, pays off one’s credit card debt, or even - as nearly 50,000 people tried to do in my city on Sunday - finishes a marathon.

On that note, congrats are in order to University of Kansas alum Sharon Lokedi, who won the New York City Marathon in 2:23:23. It was her first try at this particular marathon, and it is fair to say she kicked ass. I am sorry I did not wake up in time to walk over to cheer her on, or any of the other competitors. It’s been an odd week, and I am tired, and not inherently fond of crowds.

But I do admire champions. I can’t imagine doing what she did. Lokedi, who was born in Kenya, may enter this marathon a second time, if she feels like it. Perhaps in 2023 she’ll try to best the time she set this year. Perhaps I’ll make it to that marathon to watch. We can always hope.

Sharon Lokedi is one of the finest athletes on earth, and by putting in a stunning burst of effort in the final mile, she managed a surprise win over fellow elite runners Helena Obiri, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, and Gotytom Gebreslase.

I had a rather different day.