I never really cared about it. I knew it happened every year but up until last year, I had never even bothered to watch it. I remember sitting there with my jaw on the floor wondering how these people were running 26.2 miles in less than 2.5 hours. Ridiculous.
This year was very special and different because something within the marathon shifted for me; it was no longer just the NYC marathon. No it was the NYC marathon, where 4 individuals that I personally know, and one that I wish I did, were all going to run for the very first time.
This year, instead of flipping through the channels, I got up, had the tv on by 9, and was out of the house around 12:30. I met up with 2 sorority sisters who had managed to nag a pretty good spot right on 138 and Grand Concourse, and I waited for my friends and "hero" to run by. I managed to see 2 of them...my hero [ie Edison Peña, miner #12] somehow managed to either pass by before I got there, or just went totally unoticed by me. [Which sucks because I had my big ole flag hanging from a barricade, but it still did its job because I managed to grab the attention of about 10 other Chilean runners and some of them even ran over to me.]
Regardless, it was a wonderful experience. I was standing around mile 21 and I couldn't believe how perfectly calm and collected most of those that went by us looked. Some were clearly in pain, limping, punching out a cramp in their hamstring. A couple fell. More than a few walked. But they all kept going. The human spirit is a beautiful thing and kind, encouraging words go a long way, which was evident in the fact that you could literally see the energy go back into the runners as the crowd tried their best to cheer them on by shouting out their country, names, ringing cowbells, or blowing horns.
So to everyone that ran, walked, limped, or rolled their way through the marathon [even if you did not make it to the end], congratulations. For your inspiration, your perseverance, and your spirit. Getting through 26.2 miles is no easy task, and the simple fact that you signed up for it, and you did it [or tried your absolute best], is more than most people would ever do.
:: thumbs up ::
You rock.
And to my Chilean miner, whose 15 minutes are sure to be up soon, but will always be remembered for his Elvis impersonation and his shocking decision to actually participate in this...te pasaste.
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