My Minneapolis Marathon Experience

No, I did not run the marathon today.  Although I have a quintet under my belt, today was not going to be the day that I notched number six.  But, that did not stop me from participating in the festivities.  Although I really enjoy running in races, I probably get more satisfaction out of being a spectator, and I’d like to tell you why.

In each of the five marathons I have run, my body shut down late in the race, and I had to walk a good part of the last several miles.  Family members and friends who took turns staggering along with me were salient in helping me reach the finish line.  But, I also could not have imagined trying to finish those races without the diversion of the spectators.  The miles drag on when there is but pavement and rear ends to look at, but the experience is much more bearable when there is some other activity to distract you from the pain and monotony.

So, on this gorgeous (for spectators) Sunday morning, I setup camp around mile 25 with my essentials.  Most critical is a loud PA system (runners love music) with an I-pod playlist featuring Rocky music and other pump up songs - I had to ask my wife for help with this one as marathoners generally don’t fully appreciate my country music.  I enhance the experience by also bringing along a microphone to shout encouragement at the runners.  And I can’t forget a bunch of jolly ranchers and tootsie rolls, not for myself (at least not many), but to share with famished runners looking for any injection of sugar to help them take a few more of the 40,000 steps needed to finish the race.

Without further ado, I’m going to turn this blog into a fotonovela showing you why I love watching marathons.  First, I never tire of looking at a sea of people, working hard, and giving it their all.

I asked this guy how many marathons he had run, and he flashed one finger, then five fingers, then two fingers.  Yeah, that is right.  152 marathons, with at least one in each state.

Meet Ralph.  In marathons, people frequently print their names on their shirts so that spectators can cheer for them by name.  I’ve done it, and it is a good pick me up. Plus, spectators enjoy it, as it is much more exciting to yell, “You the man, Ralph!” than simply, “Great job!”

 

What is a guy with a finisher’s medal still doing on the course?  Marthoners help each other, and he came back to help his companion finish her race.

Vicki may not be a spring chicken, but that isn’t stopping her from running her first ever half-marathon.  I’d also like to point out Vicky’s shirt.  Many marathoners raise money for charitable organizations.  By the way, if you do, hit me up.

This family will never forget when these kids came out to inspire their dad for a bit late in the race. 

I am guessing I had the Rocky music going at this time.  At least I hope I did.  It would be a bit unusual for these guys to be flexing to Duffy.

This time I was playing the Chariots of Fire theme song, and the lady on the left did her best re-enactment.

Running 26.2 miles isn’t enough for some people; they have to dress-up.

 

I am not sure if she is running for a cause or just for fun, but regardless, this is crazy

Some marathon runners wear t-shirts that amuse me.  This one took the cake today.

Her shirt says “One more mile.” I very excitedly told her that for the first time today, her t-shirt was correct.

Current Gopher football players honoring their coach Jerry Kill.  I am not sure if it is because of the medical issues he faced or what, but good to see them out there regardless.

Some people don’t need costumes or t-shirts because they have great hair.

It is fun to see all of the different expressions that people will give you.  This guy appears somewhat delirious but is still able to give the double thumbs up.

It’s a great day to be alive.

She looks like she is on mile 1, not mile 25.  I imagine many runners looked at her and hated her.

Shannon’s daughters excitedly greeted her when she arrived at their cheering station.  I know her name because her daughers had previously come over to ask me to yell it in the microphone when she approached.  A pretty cool thing was that Shannon actually stopped for a couple minutes to chat with them before finishing the race.  To her, sharing that moment with her daughters was more important than shaving a couple minutes off her finishing time. 

With marathons come risk, and each time that an ambulance goes by with its lights and sirens on, you just pray that the passenger will be okay.

Note the headband.  He’s not only a marathon runner, but also a Tough Mudder.  I forgot to ask him which he thinks is more difficult; I already know which he would say he enjoys more.

This picture really just embodies the spirit of determination that marathoners’ possess.

I will admit that I felt a bit guilty taking these next couple pictures.  Sometimes marathon runners will collapse in pain, and in this case the lady experienced bad cramps.  But despite the pain, she got up quickly and kept going.  Also note how random strangers are checking on her.

This one really struck me. We have all heard of icing after a workout, but how bad must your knee be feeling to run with an ice pack strapped to it?

So many people volunteer to make a marathon a special event.  The lady on the left holding the sign is a volunteer pacer.  To take pressure off runners trying to maintain a certain pace, pacers hold signs indicating what pace they are running, and runners simply follow along if they want to finish the race in that pace.  There is something extra special about this pacer.  She is holding the 6 hour pace sign.  In many marathons, runners have to finish in 6 hours or less in order to receive a medal and to be acknowledged as finishing the race.  So, this pacer has the responsibility of keeping her group just in front of the trailing sweep truck.

Callyn was supposed to run her first full marathon in Madison the previous weekend but the distance was reduced to a half marathon due to the heat.  Disappointed at having done all the training for a full marathon, she sought out the Minneapolis Marathon in order to complete her quest.  Had she run the Madison Marathon the week before near her home, she would have had the support of many family and friends, but when she traveled to the Minneapolis Marathon, only her brother and his fiancée were able to accompany her.  As the miles wore down, Callyn felt she could not run any further and would not be able to reach the finish line.  Her brother Alex jumped in and ran by her side for awhile to encourage her - they are pictured below.  Eventually, Alex tired and his fiancée Casandra jumped in to help Callyn finish the race.  That's what it is all about.

It was a great way to spend the morning.  And while you may not be strange enough to bring out a PA system and sit for hours watching a race, I encourage you head out to a race sometime and cheer the runners on.  They will love you for it and you will feel great doing it.  And who knows, before long, I may be cheering for you.

For more pictures and some Rocky music, check out the YouTube video I put together on this race...