Marathon

Once again, another Boston Marathon has come and gone with me out of shape.  It definitely makes me a little more motivated to run, but I'm so far removed from marathoning these days, that it's a distant goal.

Spent time on Sunday at the marathon expo.  Didn't buy anything, but saw that I'd be buying a lot of stuff if/when I next do one.  Need to have some swag to commemorate it.

Monday at the race was a great time with the kids and a couple friends.  We walked up to Heartbreak Hill and ran a bit of it.  Then made our way back to write chalk messages in the road for the runners.  We had a bit of excitement when the lead women came through as Kim Smith (who had been leading for much of the race) pulled up with calf cramps only 30 yards from us.  I quickly grabbed a police officer that was nearby who radioed in for help.  Two EMS workers on bikes stopped to assist.  Kim was gracious to all of us despite her obvious pain and disappointment.  She refused to take the jacket that I offered (and others along the way) and eventually walked up to the next aid station about a half mile away.

A runner from Bentley that had been watching the race was standing off about 10 ft as I and the EMS workers chatted with Kim.  As I walked away, I could see the goofy smile and somewhat uncomfortable giggle coming from this girl.  I questioned her about it and she mentioned that she once ran with Kim in a race and it was one of the greatest experiences of her running career.  I told her that she should tell that story to Kim herself, as it would probably lift her spirits.  She started giggling and shaking her head.  I had to walk her over to the limping runner and give her a little push, but once she started talking, all her nerves were gone.  I saw her a few minutes later and she was beaming.  It's nice to get a chance to get that close to some of your heroes.  It's a bit easier in the sport of running, but I know I've seen that look on the face of many kids at autograph signings or just simply getting seats close to the action.

Saw lots of club members running and other runners that I knew.  Jumped in a couple times and ran a few yards with some of them.  Another great year and a reminder why I don't let myself go to work on those days.