This collection of essays below is a mixed bag of experiences from four different bloggers who detail common yet personalized moments that you may or may not have experienced as well. Be sure to check out their blogs to learn more about the people behind these stories. Also, feel free to leave a comment below if you yourself have had these experiences and how yours compare or contrast to theirs. All links will open in a new tab.
What it’s like to run a marathon
By: Em
When I was 14, I did a marathon! Although I didn’t run it, I was one of the youngest people to complete the Moonwalk in London. The moonwalk is a night time power walking marathon in aid of breast cancer. It’s an amazing experience, and I am so glad I did it, even if I was aching afterwards!
Doing a marathon is strange. There’s a point where you hit a wall and you feel completely drained. For me, it was around mile 18. I’d been walking for around five or six hours, which is the longest I’d ever walked in one sitting. You want to give up and cry because of the sheer exhaustion. You keep going, and strangely you find the motivation again to finish. The cheerful marshals help that motivation!
When you finish the marathon, it’s very emotional. My mum and I both cried, especially as it was around 8 in the morning! Everything catches up to you; your legs start to freeze up, you get cold, and you crave food. I’d highly recommend doing a marathon, even if you don’t run it! It’s one of my greatest achievements!
What it’s like to faint
By: Darina
The first time I fainted was when I was 12. I remember it like it was yesterday.
I had gone to the bodega near my house and once I reached the apartment building, I decided to take the elevator. Luckily, I didn’t take the stairs.
I called for the elevator to come and everything around me started swirling.
I felt weightless and had no control of my body whatsoever. As if my brain could not instruct the rest of my body to move or resist. Everything happened in a matter of seconds. Calling for the elevator and seeing everything around me turning were the last things I remember.
I woke up on the floor not knowing what had happened and where I was. After a few minutes I realized that I had fainted.
I felt so afraid, confused, and terrified. It appears that I had scratches all over my face from the fall. My immediate thoughts were …
”How long was I here lying on the floor?”,
“Why did I faint?”,
“What was wrong with me?”
The worst part was that I was alone and no one had noticed me on the floor so I had to analyze my feelings and what had happened on my own.
Till this day I have no idea how long I was unconscious, I have had similar incidents since then and I know the feeling. I can right away understand that my body is about to shut.
The feelings of being afraid, frightened, and confused are no longer there. I know what to expect and how to react to avoid any injuries. As soon as I feel the same way I look for a seat or to lay down.
This tactic has saved me from losing consciousness a couple of times.
I hope my experience helps you not to freak out if this happens to you!
What it’s like to swim in the ocean
By: Jerry Godinho
I am boarding a large and comfortable catamaran from Marina Gaviota located on Cayo las Brujas in Cuba. I am looking forward to the six-hour cruise around the surrounding keys and islets.
I am relaxing on the nets as the catamaran glides gently over the waves and watch the seabirds and dolphins that follow the catamaran with enthusiasm. I am looking forward to the stop where the catamaran makes a stop at the coral reef for snorkeling and swimming in the warm and clear waters inhabited by a unique, complex and beautiful marine life.
I ask the captain how deep is the water. He tells me to go ahead make the dive.
Nothing prepares you for diving into the warm water. I put on my swimming glasses and take the dive. I am in a different world. I am Aquaman. He was used to these waters. For me, the view is amazing, of breathtaking quality infused with fear, sheer beauty and unknowability.
I see thousands of fishes who are surprised as to who is this person invading their space as I move through the salted water. I am amazed at the coral that is below me, and I want to stay underwater and not come up for fresh air.
As I come up for fresh air, the sun hits me, and I am back to reality. I wish my lung capacity was better and I could be down forever.
I swim from the catamaran to the nearest Island and back. Swimming in saltwater is a lot easier than a pool. However, the bitter salt water can be brutal if you digest it.
This was an amazing experience, and I strongly recommend that you do it once in your lifetime.
What it’s like to skydive
By: Sarah Cull
When I look back now, I think I must have been pretty mad to want to jump out of a plane. Yet it is an experience that has stayed with me for over a decade. I remember the butterflies in my tummy as the aeroplane climbed steadily up to 14000 feet. It was a mix of fear, excitement, and adrenaline.
I watched other people leap from the plane, waiting nervously for my turn, knowing it was coming soon. Wanting to go for it, but also feeling nailed to the rickety, bumpy and cold floor.
The instructor told me I was up. I shuffled tentatively to the exit point which is putting it kindly. It was a hole. A hole into nothing. And I was about to throw myself out of it.
I took a deep breath. Luckily for me this was a tandem jump, so the instructor took control and jumped for me. I don’t know if I ever would have summoned the courage if I had been on my own. Probably not if I am being honest.
I remember being frightened, but also fascinated by the feeling of freedom. The still, calm atmosphere hit me and I will always recall breathing that air, the cleanest I have ever inhaled and probably ever will again. It smelt so clear, so untarnished, so invigorating.
The free-falling was over so quickly. Then there was a jolt as the instructor pulled the parachute cord for our descent to the ground. It was amazing to have this slow, relaxed journey back to earth, and the view of the rainforest and the sea from the sky was unbelievable. I long for that view and calm feeling on stressful days.
Book recommendations based on personal experiences
The Wanderer by Ronesa Aveela Book Review and Author Interview
Book Review: Out of the Pantry by Ronni Robinson
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Love this post! I too have fainted before so the essay by Darina connected with me. Luckily, I have always had family there for me when I have fainted and, over time, I have learned to recognize the lightheadedness and fuzzy feeling that comes before a faint.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I too have fainted and sustained minor injuries from it so it’s definitely a fear of mine now and an experience that I connected with as well, especially that time lapse that occurs in the process of being out.
I fainted for the first time when I was twelve, my teen has fainted several times and my youngest daughter started fainting at the age of 2. We still don’t know why it happens to any of us.
Fainting runs in my family too. We blame our low blood pressure mixed with getting overheated or anxious.