There was a lot to take in! Even though we didn't see our runners, we still saw a lot! A marathon is so much more than just running.
Intensity
The elites were focused, eyes on the road ahead, not acknowledging cheers from the crowds.
Joy
Many of the runners in the middle of the pack were running with smiles on their faces, waving to spectators cheering them on.
Tears
We saw runners, walking with their heads down and tears streaming down their faces. Injury? Disappointment? Been there, done that.
Inspiration
The Achilles runners leading the disabled runners. Oh.my.heart.
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| Source |
Chafing
One woman was walking sideways, alternating from side to side, trying not to let her thighs touch.
Limping
There were runners hobbling, stopping and starting, favoring one extremity. From our vantage point at mile 13.5, they had a long way to go to the finish line. Would they make it?
Costumes
Not as many as you'd think! Lots of superheroes. We also saw a king! And Forest Gump.
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| Run Forest, Run! |
Cramping
Runners were stopping to stretch their calves on the curb. One actually laid down on the sidewalk to stretch out his legs. I heard comments from several runners that the cold wind was making them cramp up.
Misplaced runners
Participants wearing bibs that didn't match up with the runners around them. Corral K running up towards the front with the B corral runners? Corral C in the back of the pack? How does this happen?
Random objects
A banana tossed to the side of the road by a runner landed at our feet. Gel packs everywhere. Items of clothing littered the street.
Clothing
In spite of the chilly temperatures and strong wind, there were a lot of runners in tanks and shorts. Brrrr! I was dressed in my down coat with a hat and gloves.
Patriotism
The international runners wear the colors of their homeland with the name of their countries on their shirts.
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Homeland security officers walked behind us, guns strapped to their waists, while local police manned the intersections. Helicopters were buzzing overhead.
Support
Family members on the sidelines, awaiting their runners. The runners spotting their loved ones, dashing over to the curb for hugs and then back on the course.
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| Renee did find us in the bloggers' press box! |
Have you ever spectated a marathon? Tell me something you saw!
Spectating the Chicago Marathon gave me all the feels! /via @oldrunningmom @chimarathon #runchat #running #chicagomarathon
I'm linking up with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness.
