Marathon
A Spectators Marathon, Its hard work We just had a marathon running through our “backyard”. The lead-up to this marathon, like all others, was an adventure. There were the seminars, training sessions, runners conversing about PR’s, carbo-loading, types of shoes, and that “marathon heaven thing” that goes on - those descriptive promotions that paint potentially four tortuous hours of hell as a trip through some biblical paradise with phrases like “…the most beautiful 26 miles” or “…an inspirational route that will leave you amazed. ... One of the sponsors placed billboards along the route that depict the seven stages of a marathon ritual of which four included shock, denial, isolation, and despair. ... Ive been reading while Im in this marathon see, and Im feeling…" As a well-attired spectator - umbrella, down jacket, and heavy-duty hiking shoes - I arrived in the rain just in time for the 7:00 am start to the half marathon.