So, yesterday was the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. There about 30 runners from a local running store that were running, so I decided to make the drive to Indy to cheer them on. I only run with the group every other weekend, but I’ve made some good friends with the group and it’s always nice having a familiar face in the crowd. I also knew some friends from twitter and dailymile that were going to be running, so it would be a good chance to cheer them on, too. If you don’t already follow them, you should. I met @celestialbaby28, @runkerrierun and @runaaronrun after the race…fantastic, dedicated runners and great people!
If you have never been on the other side of a race, you should do it sometime. It gives you a new appreciation for what your friends and family go through to watch you race. It makes for a very long day and you are constantly cheering, clapping and watching every single runner pass to make sure you don’t miss the runners that you are there to support. Regardless of pace or position in the race, every runner is out there giving everything they have to get to the finish. Some runners pass you with smiles on their face and others are doing everything they can to keep their feet moving. I was at miles 6, 20 and 26.2 All were, obviously, completely different atmospheres. Mile 6 had lots of smiles, lots of talking, etc. Mile 20 had heads down, silence, tears of pain, some smiles, etc. Mile 26.2 had heads up, tears of joy, high fives, children running past the finish line with their mom/dad, etc.
If you have ever contemplated running a marathon, go support one and make sure you also watch some runners finish. The joy on their faces is unbelievable and it will probably help you make that decision to experience one for yourself.
