“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” – Katherine Switzer
On Sunday I was lucky enough to spectate the NYC Marathon. I’ve volunteered for the race twice, but this was my first time just spectating the race and it was such an amazing experience. I knew of quite a few runners that were participating in the race. I told them I would be positioned at mile 18 and that I would come prepared with goodies!
I came prepared!
I tried to bring items that I thought runners might appreciate at that point in the race – running fuel, Nuun, blister shield, pain relievers, Run Gum, biofreeze spray, etc. I felt like the “Marathon Fairy” 🙂 I was able that I was able to help out a few runners with the items.
My friend Debbie, my mom and I had a blast cheering on the runners during the race. We also had some live entertainment.
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(Click to view video)
One highlight of the race was this guy – I mean that outfit was everything! I have no clue how he was able to run a marathon barefoot though!
The tracker app was giving me a little difficulty during the race, but I was still able to find most of my friends. First I saw Jessie fly by. She was in the zone so she didn’t hear us cheering for her, but she looked strong. Fun fact – I was also tracking Kevin Hart on my app and at one point in the race, Jessie blew right past him!
I also saw Jess but she didn’t hear us cheering her on because the band was playing at the same time. I thought that she looked great as well! Luckily I was able to give out hugs to a few of my other friends running the race. So proud of you Lisa, Carlota and Jacinta!
Changing topics for one minute..one thing that was NOT cool is this tweet from the Boston Globe.
Are they serious with this crap? I CANNOT believe that they used the word stragglers. So damn rude and disrespectful. I’m 100% sure that Shalane would use the term “finishers”. Stuff like this written by obvious non-runners really irritates me. Okay, end of rant.
Originally I was supposed to run this marathon. I decided to defer my entry after Chicago because I knew that mentally, I just wasn’t up to the challenge of another marathon. To be honest, I couldn’t figure out why I was so content with this decision. I had absolutely no regrets, but why? That’s when it hit me – I wasn’t suppose to run that race, I was supposed to watch it.
I’m a firm believer that God always has a plan. Spectating the NYC Marathon was exactly what I needed to renew my love for the sport. I’ll be the first to admit that I was burnt out after 2 consecutive training cycles this year (12 weeks/20 weeks), but the events of the day totally changed my perspective and my spirit. This marathon had everything – Meb running his last race, Shalane winning the women’s race and seeing people fight for every step at Mile 18. All of the passion made me excited to start training for a marathon again next year.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up and what we “have” to do in order to train for a race. We often forget why we’re even training in the first place. I’m making a conscious decision to never get to that place again when I’m training for a race. I always want to keep the “why” in the forefront of my mind. I’m so happy that spectating the marathon gave me the mental boost that I desperately needed before starting a new training cycle for a Spring marathon.
Congratulations to all of the runners that completed the NYC Marathon. You have all inspired me more than you know!
Have you every spectated a race? How did it change your outlook on running?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I agree that it is so inspiring to watch a race! My first time really spectating a full race was in May when Rob ran Cleveland, and it definitely got me excited to run again! Looks like you had a great day and Im sure the runners were very grateful to have you there supporting them!
It really is! I was surprised at just how inspired I was. I was just so happy for all of the runners out their pursuing their dreams and goals.
I”m so glad you got that boost from spectating! Last year I spectated Chicago and it made me want to run it again. It’s so fun to see all the different groups go by from the elites to the BOTPers.
Thanks Wendy. It was definitely what I needed at this point in my running journey.
Ha that guy’s outfit! No shoes too! It is fun to be on the other side of things sometimes too isn’t it?
That guy put the biggest smile on my face! IT was definitely nice to be on the other side for once.
I watched from home and it was so inspirational! I’m sure it must have been amazing to watch in person. And that’s a great idea that you had all that stuff that runners may want at that point.
Agreed – I left the race SO inspired!!
I LOVE spectating races! I’ve even travelled hundreds of miles to watch friends run their first marathons! It’s seriously the best thing ever. I’m a cryer (lol) and I get all worked up and emotional seeing the emotion on people’s faces when they realize someone is there cheering them on. It’s the best and so inspiring to watch and if you come run down here, I absolutely PROMISE I will be out there for you! <3
That’s so nice of you! I am sure that your friends really appreciated that support!
I look forward to seeing you if I do the Shamrock race!!
SO AWESOME! Your bag with everything that a marathoner might want/need was epic!
Thanks Mer! I was happy to be happy to help runners when they needed a little boost!
I love that you went out to spectate and support other runners. I haven’t spectated any races yet, but I want to!
Also, yeah… the word ‘stragglers’? So inappropriate. YOU run a marathon before you use that word!
Haha exactly! I could tell a non-runner must have written that treat as we would never use the word stragglers!
I have volunteered at some local races (most have been 5K’s), but have never actually spectated an entire marathon. I have hung out for awhile near the finish line, though, on several occasions when I’ve finished with the half marathon. It really is quite an incredible experience seeing all the FINISHERS come it, no matter what time of day it is.
Agreed! To me, everyone that finishes a marathon is a winner.
It must have been so much fun to spectate! The “straggler” word didn’t bother me until you mentioned it and then I was like, oh yeah, good point! You’re right, I am sure Shalane didn’t use that word and HOW FREAKING AWESOME she went back to cheer. 🙂
Yeah I just don’t like that word because it kind of downplayed the fact that those runners ultimately finished and that’s what matters. I love that Shalene went back to cheer them on – she’s incredible.
I so love this post, Kim. You’re right — you were exactly where you needed to be! I know your next marathon will be your best yet. Hugs.
Thanks Rachel 🙂 I’m feeling way more at peace with how everything happened and that’s a really good feeling to have.
I have both spectated and volunteered at races, and it is always such an inspiring and rewarding experience! I’m so glad you were able to have that time and offer encouragement to so many runners out there!
And that was a pretty unkind tweet from the Boston Globe. I imagine it didn’t come from a bad place, but it could certainly be pretty disheartening to the runners who were still completing the race.
I am hoping that I can get out and volunteer at a few more races next year. I really want to give back more to the racing community.
Agreed on the tweet. Sometimes people that don’t run may not know the power behind certain words that they use.
I’m loving the barefoot man in the cool outfit! Nice bag of goodies too.
He was a highlight of the day for me!
Spectating can be so inspiring. I love to see other racers pushing and challenging themselves!
Definitely! It really inspired me to get back out there and do another marathon
I’ve never spectated a race, but it really seems like a great thing to do. You’ve done an amazing job and you were definitely the marathon fairy, Kim! 😉
Thanks so much Agness – it was fun!
So true. I loved seeing the images come in of the NYC marathon — from Shalane winning to the very last lady to cross the finish line with her support crew after most of the crowds had left. Nothing brings us together like sport.
It was such a great day and the city had so much energy!
Yes! It is so inspiring to be on the other side and watch a race!!
Definitely!
I am SO envious that you got to spectate! I was in Brooklyn/Manhattan the weekend before and I could feel that atmosphere and excitement in the air – can’t imagine actually being there! I would definitely sign up for a marathon directly following haha
It almost seems like the whole city comes out to celebrate!
Being at a marathon is such an incredible experience. I remember having similar feelings when I volunteered at Marine Corps a couple of years ago. I’m sure that a number of your friends were very thankful for the stash of supplies that you had with you for them.
I think it’s hard to be at a marathon and not get inspired – it’s just so amazing seeing all of the runners chasing after their dreams.