Like the Wind

Iasus, an ancient king of Arcadia, wanted a son. So when his daughter Atalanta was born, he left the infant girl on a mountain top to die. Instead of perishing, she was suckled by a bear, and thrived - growing up to become the greatest hunter of all.

After helping to save her kingdom from a boar ravaging the countryside, Atalanta and her father were reunited. Realizing that she was a better boy than he could ever have imagined, he promptly demanded that she get married.

Atalanta, who wasn't too keen on the idea of being married, announced each suitor would challenge her to a running race - the guy who bested her would be her husband. Those who lost would be killed.  Man after man fell to Atalanta's superior speed. That is until a fellow Arcadian, Hippomenes convinced the goddess Aphrodite to help him cheat.

The goddess of love gave Hippomenes three charmed apples that would make Atalanta slow down. The fruit was irresistible, so each time Atalanta was ahead, Hippomenes would roll an apple by her, she'd swoop to eat it and he'd run by. 

Thus Hippomenes won the race and married Atalanta.

So why the lesson in mythology? Well, last Saturday the boys' school held it's annual 5K race.

 The men's 40-49 division was dominated by a son of Arcadia - me. 

I'd like to say that in my veins flows the blood of the mighty Atalanta. But like Hippomenes, I had my own golden apples.  In my case, there were no other entrants in my age group.

The victor being congratulated by Gus, who finished 3rd in his age division and 19th over all...to his dad's 20th place.