LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

This weekend is the Chicago Marathon. I've run in five of them. Actually had a pretty good time one year.

Anyho, every year I get together with a bunch of friends and we stage a Marathon beer stop. Something I started about 25 years ago. This is also done by members of similar running clubs to the ones I'm in, all over the world. We all bring some beer and cups, We usually pour about 2 to 3 oz in a cup and hand it to runners as they go by. Some even stop for seconds. And many remind me how much they appreciate what we are doing and look for us every year. And it is a lot of fun helping and cheering on these people. Many are just plugging along doing something athletic that is far beyond them, but they train and do it anyway. The crowning athletic achievement of their live. Many are recreational runners and doing it for fun every year. And then their are the elite athletes. They don't want or have time for our beer. But many years, especially in hot weather, we give away beer to about 7% or 8% of the runners that come by. 2500 to 3000 beers. The smile on their faces is worth it. By then they have had all of the gator aide and water they can handle. And no, it won't hurt them. Unless they are allergic or something. And we announce what we are offering with shouts and signs.

So, wish us well. It will be low fifties and great weather for running a marathon. Although we might get a little cold standing there for 3 or 4 hours. But then, after the marathon, we will go for our own 3 or 4 mile run and warm up. And then drink some beer ourselves.

Logically Right

Liberty Tree

I was once asked to run in a charity event. It was called "Run ten miles for God." I told them if I ran ten miles I would be with God.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

Then try walking ten miles a little bit at a time, and be with the saints.

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

<< Ever run a Marathon? Or watch one in person? >>
I've driven one.

FallenOak Loc: St George Utah

St George Marathon was run today.  J.J. Santana is the overall winner of the 47th St. George Marathon. His time was 2 hours, 16 minutes, 28 seconds. This is his second win in a row for this race. Sylvia Bedford of South Jordan was the first woman finisher in 2:35.53. Her second win in a row in St. George.

F.D.R.

I can understand running a marathon but I would compare watching a marathon to watching grass grow.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

Just returning from my Marathon adventure. We met about mile 23.4 and handed out beer. Just small tastes. And for three hours we had a lot of fun bringing joy to people having a good time running, and people who were really struggling and needed an uplift. Our beer did that. The joy on the faces of these people made the day worthwhile. And it is surprising how many of these runners were elderly. Well over fifty. Men and women. And really enjoying a beer almost like never ever before. People were constantly take selfies with us and their beer, and videos and just running by and taking pictures and giving us a high five.

As for watching grass grow, I disagree. But I do see your point. From that view point I could go further and compare this to watching four days of biden's open border crush, going through one opening, forty feet wide, and in six hours time. Over 40,000 runners. That is what the numbers would t***slate into. Happy faces of well trained athletes to people pushing the envelope like they never dreamed it would be, hard, painful, slow and exhausting. Some people suffering from sever muscle cramps and extreme pain, and yet not a one stopped and gave up. Amazing. But I have been there and know the feeling, muscle cramps, fatigue. But you trained hard for three or more months and you aren't going to quit. We saw three blind guys go by with a tether to a guide, Blind and going 26 miles. And one pair stopped for a beer. Wheel chairs of various types and one old man massively struggling to push a large three wheel device with another adult for 26 miles. I'm guessing his son. So, it is more like seelng a mass of people going through a massive struggle to prove something to them self. And then getting it done no matter what. Back in my marathon days, I once saw two very pretty ladies, 30ish, pass me about mile 22. They were in matching outfits, almost. One all white. One in white with two wide red streaks coming from her crotch to her ankles. We can only guess what happened. But imagine the dedication to say, ooops. But I don't care, I worked to hard to get here and I'm going to finish. That is dedication.

So, yes, watching them on TV might be like watching grass grow. But to see what some go through to finish and the expressions from pain to joy, its worth cheering for them.

Logically Right