marathon

I lived in Boston for 7 years and Marathon Mondays were some of the most fun party days we ever had. If you aren't from Massachusetts, you probably don't know that Marathon Monday takes place on Patriot's Day, a state holiday in Mass. There is no school, no work and it is a giant party day. Drinking in the streets still isn't legal, but you can usually get away with it while screaming at the top of your lungs cheering on the amazing runners as they pass by.
Watching the ING NYC Marathon yesterday was nothing short of awe inspiring. This is the first marathon I've watched and actually felt like a runner. I understood the announcers (although I didn't agree with them - more on that later), I loved the commercials, and I got emotional and teary every time I saw people starting the race.
I watched and cheered on Mary Keitany for the first 25 miles of the race. I loved every single second of watching her incredible strides. The announcers were driving me crazy though! I was annoyed that they kept doubting her ability to finish strong. I know in the end, they were kind of right but I still don't think she lost too much of her power. Her first miles were in the low 5 minute range and her last miles were in the upper 5 lower 6 min/mile range. I suppose that in terms of marathon racing a minute is kind of a lot to drop off per mile, but she was incredible. She finished with a 5:29 pace. That is speedy fast. I was hopeful that she couldn't hear the announcers saying that she started too fast, blah blah blah...There is no room for doubt in running. For me 2/3 of the race is mental. If someone was announcing for me while I was running saying I wasn't going to be able to finish, I never would...Silly announcers, lets have faith and actually cheer on these amazing athletes!!!
Then the men, oh my gosh. They ran at super human paces. I don't even know where to start! The top three men all blew the previous course record out of the water. Just insane...Slightly odd but did anyone else notice that most of the 7 men who were running in the pack for most of the race had on the same bright orange/pink colored shoes on?! I doubt they were the same shoes, but all the same color nonetheless!

I'm feeling pumped about the half! These men and women make you want to be a faster runner and a more dedicated runner. I'm going to hit the pavement right now for a morning run!