In between these letters, you can follow colorful updates on my Instagram @kristinespinasse
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Today's Word: s'emballer
: to race, to bolt, to soar, to rocket
=> s'emballer also means to get carried away, to lose control of yourself
Listen to Jean-Marc read the following update, click here
À 28 kilomètres de la ligne d'arrivée de l'Ironman Barcelona, mon cœur a commencé à s'emballer et j'ai senti dès fourmillements dans les pieds, les mains et le cou. J'ai alterné marche et course ensuite et lorsque j'ai ressenti une pointe au mollet à 14 kms de la "finish line" j'ai décidé d'abandonner.
At 28 kilometers from the finish line of the Ironman Barcelona, my heart began to race and I felt tingling in the feet, hands and neck. I alternated walking and running next, and when I felt a stab to the calf 14 kms from the "finish line" I decided to give up.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
By Kristi Espinasse
My Ironman is sleeping after a challenging 24-hour day, Sunday, in which he pushed his 52-year-old body to its limit. Twenty-eight kilometers shy of the Ironman Barcelona finish line, after swimming, biking and now running… Jean-Marc's heart began protesting. Next, he had les fourmillements–"crawling ant" sensation in his feet, hands, and le cou. At that point, he began walking to the finish line…when his mollet began to shoot with pain.
His first words when he called me were, "Je vais bien. Ne t'inquiète pas…"
I wasn't the only one concerned! My Dad, over in Idaho, was also tracking Jean-Marc–via the Ironman app. When Dad's watch dinged, shortly after he'd gone to sleep, he realized the race had begun. Jean-Marc had dived into the Mediterranean Sea in Calella, Spain, and this immense physical épreuve–among men half his age..and a few older–was on.
Dad's watch continued to ding throughout the night, alerting him (and my belle-mère?) to Jean-Marc's progress. By the next morning when the sun rose in Idaho, Jean-Marc had finished the biking and was now running. But my Dad became concerned when Jean-Marc fell off the radar and could no longer be tracked…had Jean-Marc had an accident?
Meantime here in La Ciotat, my phone was dinging as well. It dinged when I went out to feed the chickens their breakfast, dinged after I made our daily bread, and dinged on my way to church…and dinged when I returned home and when I took my nap. I was amazed to check my husband's progress thanks to each alert. It was incredible to think that while the rest of us were going about our day, waking, eating, gardening, sleeping, Jean-Marc was carefully meting out his energy reserves on what would be for him a 12-hour course.
I was thankful our son Max had driven across the border with his Dad to help out with the equipment and cheer him on in person. Speaking of Max, this is the reason Jean-Marc had called so late at night….
"Everything thing is ok," my husband assured me.
My sleepy brain tried to process Jean-Marc's words. Why was he calling? What had happened? Last I checked he was 2 hours from the finish line. Where was Max?
Max was fine (indeed he'd had a thrilling day following his dad, cheering him on, photographing him, and enjoying the Spanish seaside town. He too was receiving those dings, or notifications… while he ate ribs, spoke in Spanish to the locals, and even managed a little spa time during the 12 hours that his father advanced toward the finish line….
But he was currently unaware of his father's injury. "Call Max and tell him I will meet him back at the hotel."
Jean-Marc's voice was level and I knew not to ask too many questions, but to get the message to Max asap.
When next I heard back from the two, they were already on the road, for the 4.5-hour drive home (with Max at the wheel).
It wasn't the first time I thought: This is crazy. He is overdoing it–once again squeezing a mountain of activity into the space of a day! Driving almost 5 hours home after midnight and after an all-day triathlon! He has not slept in 24 hours. Why don't they just stay one more night and get some sleep?
Because that's Jean-Marc, and I am learning to let him be, all the while keeping a watchful eye on this Ironman.
"But I am not an Ironman," I did not finish the triathlon, Jean-Marc replied, as he cracked open our bedroom door at 3:03 am, having arrived safely home.
"Yes, you are! As far as we (your family) are concerned, you are a Finisher. And we are so proud of you! Tellement fier de toi!"
* * *
I am still editing this post, but will pause now to make lunch for our Ironman, who is up and walking around now. If you see any coquilles, or typos–or simply want to congratulate Jean-Marc–thank you for using the comments box below.
For those reading our memoir, you will be familiar by now by Jean-Marc's drive. Indeed it's driven us from town to town, project to project, where he's raced after his dreams 24/7. It caused a fair amount of tension in our relationship, something I am writing about (8 chapters have now been posted). Let's give Jean-Marc the rest of this week to finish his latest chapter. He needs a little rest for now. Click here to read about our memoir-in-progress.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
les fourmillements = tingling
le cou = neck
le mollet = calf
je vais bien = I'm okay
ne t'inquiète pas = do not worry
une épreuve = test
la belle-mère = stepmother
tellement = so very
fier de toi = proud of you
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Oh yes, he is an ironman. Amazing job.
How wise you are Kristi! You let your husband do what he wants to do even though you don’t always agree with his plans! My mother once said, ‘Don’t interfere with other peoples’ peculiar ways of being happy!’
Sadly I didn’t pay attention and my relationships failed as I foolishly tried to change my partners! I am happily single now and it is great not to have to make the compromises necessary in a relationship. But the downside is not having those wonderful things a loving relationships bring. You seem to have got it right. Glad Jean Marc got home safely and well done for such a Herculean effort.
Very impressed with him .Wow ,what an effort .Well done Jean Marc !!!
p.s Think it should be’ metered’ out
Congratulations to Jean-Marc for getting as far as he did, and for having the courage to stop when it became too dangerous to his health.
Typos.
meeting should be meting
Had dove should be had dived
Félicitations Jean-Marc!
Felicitations, Jean-Marc ! Très bien fait !
Felicitations, Jean-Marc ! Très bien fait !
In my estimation, Jean-Marc came in first! Bravo!!
Thanks, Audrey. This verb was on the tip of my tongue but I could not recall it. See Janet’s note below.
Thank you, Janet. So helpful. On my way to update the post.
Jean-Marc has accomplished more than most of us ever will !
He is awesome !!!👍
When the body says ‘stop’, an ironman stops! Well done, you were almost there!
Well done JM. I so admire your get up and go in every situation. you are not phased by anyone when you want to do something! Perhaps your own well being will now dictate precautions!
Alice
Men can be terrible about listening to their bodies, says a guy who knows first hand, as we become fixated in completing the challenge.
At a charity cycling event in June (220 km over two days), a friend attempting the event for the first time felt poorly after the first day (105 km) and, with the “advice” of his wife, a retired nurse, headed to the hospital where he was diagnose with a heart attack and found to have an artery that was 100% blocked. By 5:30 am the next day, he had a brand new stent! My friend is a youngster of 75 years and is now recovering nicely but it could have been different.
He’s a youngster because he’s two months younger than me. This was my 6th time for me at this event. While I did finish the 220 km, the second day was difficult – I “bonked” at about 80 km with 35 km to go. I went on to finish but it wasn’t pleasant or pretty.
The problem was that, thanks to a cold, wet spring, I had put in the training I should have.
My issue now is whether to ride again in 2020 for my seventh time. I am registered!
Bravo Ironman Jean-Marc! Crossing that official finish line is not the only goal in a challenge like this. I believe everyone has their own personal finish line and to recognize that you have reached it is an accomplishment in itself. Congratulations on all the intense training that took you to this place and all you achieved in Barcelona!
Right, I’m going to be a total killjoy. At 80 years old, I’ve known too many cases of people just pushing themselves too far. Please don’t be one of them! Kristi and Co. and many more people need you and love you. You’ve made your mark in many good ways but does this have to be one of them? Sometimes the heart, mind and body give messages. Are you listening to yours? Forgie me for being sharp but I felt really quite cross with you! But of course I still send you congratulations and good wishes. But please listen and think ….
Wow! I am so impressed with Jean-Marc! What an incredible effort, and so proud that he is intuitive ( and brave) enough to listen to his body!! And to rehash what another of your fans said, so proud of you, Kristi, for your wise approach to your relationship!
Bien fait tous les deux et grosses bises!
It’s not whether you win or lose. It’s the journey.
Congratulations to Jean-Marc for his valiant effort and impressive weekend journey.
Congratulations for your Ironman efforts and for your courage to listen to your body! Bravo!
Bravo, Jean-Marc! You won by listening to your body and taking care of it! Félicitations pour vos efforts.
I hope Jean Mark gets a full check up. Those symptoms are concerning.
Yes, yes Jean-Marc is a finisher!!!!! Congratulations and do have your body checked out by your doctor!!! Maybe a half IronMan awaits you in the future!
From each endeavor we accomplish something that can give us a new perspective. You took on the challenge, Jean-Marc, and gave it your best. The real strength comes in understanding when we have reached our limit, giving into it with grace. This you most certainly have done…
How could anyone swim for two hours?
You’re crazy.
😀
It must have been very difficult to make the decision to stop running. You felt disappointed. But of course your family and friends were not interested in having you die on a road in Spain wearing unattractive clothing.
You will die many many years in the future holding a glass of wine, wearing cool clothes, killer shoes and a chic, silk escharpe just after a couple of young women asked, “Who is that hot guy holding hands with that hot blonde of a certain age?”
Salut!
Félicitations Jean-Marc:
You are indeed a finisher and an Ironman. You were wise to listen to your body.
And just think how much you did accomplish! It’s the journey….
Janine
Bravo, Jean-Marc, on your amazing race! Now, race for your life and get checked out by a doctor-that could be your most successful run yet-taking care of yourself for a long life with your loved ones. You’re amazing!!!!
Congratulations, Jean-Marc!! If “magic carpets” existed in real life, you would have had hundreds of supporters lining the roads cheering you on!!
Bravo!
Very wise choice and we are all glad that you are okay! What an accomplishment to have done all that you did!
Bises a tous,
Diane
Bravo! What an amazing adventure!! Thanks for sharing:)
Congratulations, Jean-Marc. You never cease to impress. Like an Olympian, always striving to excel at whatever you attempt, always working to be the best that you can be. Wise now to listen to your body and come back to fight another day.
I look forward to one day before too long coming to visit Le Vin Sobre, another brave and exciting undertaking. You are a hero, for sure.
Our dear Kristi,
First of all,congratulations Jean Marc!! As sweet Kristi said you ARE an Ironman!! Not only to yourself,but to your family,and to us!!
And we all thank and applaud you for knowing and listening to your body when it was time to stop.
Bottom line is that
As Clint Eastwood said:”Man’s got to know his limitations”…you did and we applaud you!!
Kristi,we applaud you,too!! Most of all for your words said(and not said!)
What wisdom and inspiration for us to try to follow!!
Love
Natalia. Xo
Congratulations to Jean-Marc. So much courage. To be fit enough just to consider entering this Ironman is a blessing. And hard work! To have the courage to know when to stop. Well done!
As you know I walk a fast 5 kms every morning. Yesterday at about 4 kms I became dizzy and fell. Strangers picked me up and sat me on a bench. I will call my Dr for a checkup and hope Jean-marc does the same. I’m thinking that at 84 maybe it’s time I cut it back to 3 kms a day.
Jean-Mark is, of course, much younger than me, however please do the right thing and get a checkup.
What an amazing accomplishment. I can totally understand any disappointment felt if he focuses on the definition of the “finish”, but I hope that he rather focuses on what he has been able to get his body to do. Even just the training is above and beyond. I feel proud of him, and he doesn’t even know me.
I hope that Jean Marc has made an appointment with the Dr. for an exam. He needs to have his heart/arteries checked out. These symptoms are Warning Signs. ASAP
What you have accomplished is amazing – more than most of us will ever dream about. Congratulations!
…….Congratulations Jean-Marc… Kristi and your family and all of us regard you as an amazing winner! A winner in life and that is the most important race you can ever be in! We all salute your incredible Ironman efforts and do hope you get a check -up with a MD, so you can start to think about training for the next one you take on! BRAVO! Jean-Marc! Kristi , you have become the ‘Ironwoman’ of marriage… knowing when to say yes and when to say maybe and when to say no….. especially when it is not easy to do. BRAVA to you , as well. Judi
Bravo Jean Marc for pursuing an iron man challenge and knowing when to stop. Many men would have pushed on and who knows what would have happened to them.
You are a hero for the challenge and a hero for stopping when your body said to stop. Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏😎
You don’t have to prove anything to yourself or to others. You are a champion.
Peace, Kathleen
Brilliant. You must be so proud of him!
I totally agree with you. There are many other types of sport activities that are gentle on our bodies. Yoga, swimming, free-weights.. kettlebell, if you must. But each to his or her own.
Marathon is something one should be dedicated to from a very early age, practicing diligently, participating rather often and preparing yourself while doing other (many) types of training simultaneously. To just “get up and get going joining marathon” is not wise in my view as well. I may send the link to the Iron Kettlebell Training to your account on instagram. I joined you there a couple of days ago and did not LIKE your post there, Kristi, about your husband’s participating in the marathon. Observed your news silently until now. Glad all is ended up well. Much ❤️ to you and to your family I have been reading about for a decade by now. 💗 Be well. 🙏
Bravo, Jean-Marc! Vous êtes vraiment «un homme de fer »!
Life is about the journey not the destination. I think we all admire you more Jean-Marc for being smart enough to know when to stop. That is the real wisdom. Congratulations on your accomplishment, you attempted something many of us only wish we had done. Congratulations on your wisdom too Kristin, we all need to let our spouses follow their dreams even when they are not our dreams.
Dear Kristin: What a man you have! Stubborn, yes, but very determined to follow through on his challenge! Congratulations, Marc, on both doing your race & having the sense to stop! Good that Max was there, too. Worrisome for you, Kristin!
Glad he had the wisdom to listen to his body.
Driving over 4 hours after midnight , though, not advisable! What’s the rush?
Sleepy drivers, not healthy or safe.
It is ok as we age, to take care of our bodies and slow down….nothing to prove to anybody.
I pushed myself too hard for too long, most of my life and now am paying the price. Studies show that
70% of diseases are caused by stress.
In the end, after all, LOVE for our life and our family is all we have
and love is all we can take with us.
Not to sound preachy, but had to say what I felt! : )
With Much respect for you and your beautiful family,
Hugs from Oregon, Lorna
Love the unfamiliar vocabulary in this one! S’emballer and fourmillement. Also Le mollet. Kudos to that husband of yours who never stops pushing himself and your patience with change!
I agree with Rob. It is important that Jean-Marc knows if he has medical limitations. A complete heart check-up…
I forgot to add in my brief comment above that I’m 90.5y and started to have heart problems in my late 50’s, which were eventually fixed. The aerobic physical activity is great and essential for good health, so keep that up, but with prudence.
I believe you meant “fazed” rather than “phased.” 😊
Felicitations!!!!! jean Marc. You are an Iron man to me!! Bien fait!
Always wonderful reading you Kristi!
Xo
Virginia
BRAVO! Amazing that you take on the hardest challenge! Maybe you can be just as special with not-so-over-the-top goals! We want to cheer you on for many more years! Again, BRAVO!
Hugs from Arizona