Respect

Congratulations to the participants in the marathon today. As a spectator, I had a wonderful time. It was actually one of the most enjoyable sporting events I have been to in recent memory. New Yorkers came out in force to cheer everyone (including the folks from around the world) and there was an electric feeling of coming together. This was really needed, especially after the stresses of the last week.

I was impressed with the determination and strength of the runners. While I think that anyone could run a marathon with the proper training (and obviously an enjoyment of a running), it takes courage to test yourself and make it to the end. I admire and respect you all.

I started out in Park Slope. The elite runners were past in a flash. Then came the masses. We had a DJ in the area playing pumped-up power music, like the themes from Chariots of Fire and Rocky. But the Beastie Boys "No Sleep 'til Brooklyn" rocked our and the runners' worlds.

Then up to East Harlem for the 19th mile, where I hoped to offer some support to my favorite runner, Corie, who I knew might be hurting by then.

Well, amazingly I found her during the run (Thanks to JVG, MLE and Mom for tracking and calling). However I did have to join the runners to get some pictures of her. So if you saw someone running in a brown corduroy jacket...yep, that was me.

I am happy to report she did great (Net time: 4:11!) and is planning on a deep sleep and a sore tomorrow.

Corie, I am so proud of you.