Run, Marathoners, Run!

Today was the world famous New York Marathon, and it happened to wind itself right through Greenpoint. Our Little Poland was mile marker 12, and before I hopped onto the subway to head to work, I stopped to watch some of the participants run by. Only I didn't actually see any "runners", but I did see lots and lots of guys on those big trike-bike things. I got to see the Marathoners who didn't have legs, or for whatever other reason couldn't use their legs. It was pretty amazing.

It was also a lot more emotional that I anticipated. I mean, I have absolutely zero connection to this event and I was very moved. As I approached the roped off area that was the race course, the competitor's pathway was lined with neighborhood people. The old guys who usually spend Sundays hungover on the park benches were all in a line, cheering their gruff hearts out at the guys whizzing by on their three-wheeley-machines. Moms and kids in church clothes were there, a band was playing, and our neighborhood firemen were there with the lights on their rig flashing. And every time someone flew by, the crowed yelled like it was their own family member out there. It was very, very cool. You could feel (and literally almost see) the energy coming off of the Marathoners. I can't imagine the feeling at the finish line.

When I got on the subway to actually go to work, it was full of people visiting New York (from all over the world and lots of locals, too) who had balloons and big signs that said things like "Run, Jenny, Run!!" or "5th Marathon's a charm!". They were all getting off at various stops to make sure they caught their runner at just the right junction to cheer them on. It was a very neat vibe.

So, I still have no desire to run 20-some-odd miles myself, but I am excited to take NYC Marathon Day off of work next year so I can go cheer on people I don't know. And my family and friends who have accomplished this feat, way to go. Amazing.

In other news...

The musical that My Talented Other Half directed last month got the "Best Of" award for the festival that they produced the show for.

And tomorrow I am going to Ikea. And that is very exciting.