Felipe and his definition of “Infinity”
Let's start at the end. Felipe Richard Londoño will climb Alto de Letras by jogging. So, without much embellishment, we highlight this challenge that is said to be easy and takes a long time. We are talking about running a distance of more than 80 kilometers starting at 460 meters above sea level and finishing at 3,800. Virtual searches say that this is "the longest climb in the world." It starts in Tolima and ends in Caldas.
It is a port frequented by cyclists who pedal their way to win a photo in the heights at the foot of the sign that announces that the challenge has been completed. Felipe was going to be one more of those who go on two wheels. But some whim of fate, a failure in communication or an impulse from his trainer made him change the discipline with which he would face the climb. He told his "coach" about his desire to climb to the top, but forgot to tell him how. So he ended up riding this challenge that for cyclists is nonsense and for runners an act that can approach insanity. Proof of this is that there is only one person who has completed this path in strides. That is how goals and dreams are. They have the capacity to transform into places that seem unattainable.
Proof of this is that Letters was not in the mind of this accomplished athlete, who a few years ago went out running to leave his excess weight behind. His first goal was only the first step that led him to participate in countless marathons that today speak of a person who seems to have little or nothing to do with that individual who one day went out into the street to fight against a few extra kilos. Such are the paths of life.
The word that gives the title to this article seems to refer to something that has no end, something that is endless. But those of us who practice some sport are aware that the dictionary could fall short in its definition.
What marathon runners call “the wall” can be endless. That feeling of mental and physical exhaustion that appears after the 30th kilometer and that turns the remaining stretches into an ordeal. That same wall that we face every time we go to learn something, that makes it difficult for us to take an extra stroke in the water or an extra pedal stroke on the bike.
Let us agree then that, at least in the context of physical activity, this is a word that has another meaning and that defines well an athlete to whom we will dedicate lines, photos and images during the next few days.
At the time this article was written, Felipe had already completed his training plan to reach the heat of Mariquita and begin his march towards the goal. Along the way he had already climbed Palmas, Minas and Calderas, among others. He spent hours on the treadmill with the incline upwards, he spent long cycling sessions to gain endurance and he already has the clothing, shoes, food and mind ready to star in this story.
Let's finish at the beginning: Felipe Richard Londoño will climb Alto de Letras at a trot, breaking through those endless 3,187 metres of elevation gain that he hopes to cover in around 9 hours. We will keep you informed.
Cristian Marín – Alternating Current.