Friday, May 07, 1999
MARATHON EVE VIEWING
Movies to pump you up
The night before running the big race is the perfect time to sit back and pop a movie in the VCR. Here are some good night-before flicks for a marathon runner:
• Chariots of Fire: It's cliche, but it is an inspiring story about running. Just remember, though, 26.2 miles is a long time to have that annoying theme running through your head.
• The Running Man: You think you got problems hoofing it 26.2 miles? If poor Arnold hits The Wall here, he gets obliterated in this futuristic yarn. Hogan's Heroes and Family Feud fans, check out Richard Dawson as the game-show host from hell (quite a stretch, we know).
• Rocky: Stirring running scenes with upbeat '70s track turn a Philadelphia tomato can who can't act into a contenda. And our hero kinda, sorta goes through a marathon himself, standing on his feet through 15 grueling, albeit choreographed, rounds with Carl Weathers.
If Sylvester Stallone can do it, so can you. Just don't try the raw egg thing at home. And don't settle for the cheesy Mr. T and Big Ugly Russian Guy sequels.
• Without Limits: The story of Steve Prefontaine. If you know who he is, you probably know the ending will be a bit of a downer. But they do a pretty good job of tying the whole movie up in an inspiring bow at the end. Good movie. Check it out.
• Forest Gump: Run, Forest, Run. Quite possibly the Citizen Kane of running. From young Forest breaking the shackles of his leg braces to tormented-but-speedy teen Forest catching the eye of Bear Bryant to heartbroken adult Forest's cross-country out-and-back (don't worry, 26.2 miles is still quite an accomplishment), it's a runner's must-see.
The running scenes, along with the cool special effects and a darned nice story make it perfect night-before viewing.
Best line: “That boy sho' is a running fool!”
Flying Pig Marathon Guide
