Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 2 – Turning words into action!
Piero is happy. It’s been a long time since he was so enthusiastic about a project.
He turns on his tablet and searches the Internet for information. There are lots of sites and a great deal of advice but all seem to agree that it takes at least 12 weeks to prepare for a marathon.
He looks at the calendar; it’s now November. “So, let’s make it 15 weeks, to be sure. A marathon around March? What do you think, Miro’?”
The cat looks at him and gets down from the chair.
“Yes, let’s see……” Piero continues, “ Here we are, the Rome marathon, first week in March! Perfect!”
Miaowing, Miro’ jumps onto the table. While stroking the cat, Piero starts reading an article by an expert on how to train. Since childhood he has always loved running and has done a lot of sport but this will be different; he will have to start from scratch, with commitment and dedication.
That evening, in the bar, Piero tells his friends about his plan. They all react with surprise.
“What, at your age?” one says. “And when will you train?” asks another, “The evenings are cold now.”
None of them can understand what has prompted this strange decision. Piero, who had expected encouragement like “Bravo!” “What a great challenge!” and “Wish I could do it!” now feels a bit disheartened
When he gets back to his flat the cat lifts his head from the sofa. Piero tells him about his doubts and Miro’ starts to purr.
“Thank goodness somebody’s showing a bit of enthusiasm,” thinks Piero, as he begins to read an article on sports shoes: tomorrow he must go shopping!