I didn't run, but I did attend a few functions, and did view the race from
what I thought was a good spot, and most important I shared a part of my
weekend with friends, dead and non-dead.
I attended the heavily-crowed but rather large and somewhat selective Expo.
The venue size for this expo is approaching it's limits in my view. I was
there on Saturday afternoon. I saw some great, good, and not so good
products and services. I really liked the Injinji toe-socks. I may get
around to ordering a pair. I'd be curious if anyone else has tried these? I
didn't wait in the lines to get an autograph of the elite runners, but I did
see Khalid signing tons of autographs. He must of been there for a few hrs.
He looks smaller in person than he does on TV.
On Saturday night I attended the highly-acclaimed Dead encounter at Big
City, organized so well by Robin Cain. I had my share of good food. I even
had an extra brownie for desert, they were that good in my mind. :-) To
drink, I had LOTS of water. In situations like that I usually try and have
some Tonic water but it seems this bar did have any, only club soda. Hmmm, I
thought Tonic water was a bar staple?? Oh well, Tonic water has lots of
sugar anyhow, and I'm cutting back on sugar. Socializing was fun. I got a
chance to meet people I have not met before. I played a few rounds of pool
with someone from Seattle (sorry, i'm not good with names anymore. that part
of my memory was lost yrs ago), and I played a few rounds with Dave and
Michele, the Connecticut crew.
I didn't make the Sunday activities as I was spending Easter with my
relatives nearby Boston.
On Monday I took off work and went up to view the race in Wellesley. I had a
great time watching it. It was cool to see the low-flying F-15's. By the
time the race started both sides of the street were packed with people. I
saw people in both directions as far as I could see. As many have said
already, in part, the crowd support provided some needed encouragement for
the runners on that hot day. In watching this race I have decided I will
only run this race if I qualify. Not to take anything away from runners who
run this for charity or through other means besides a BQ, but for me,
because this is *Boston* a huge satisfaction for my running career will be
garnered, I hope, if I can run it because of my own running accomplishments.
That's just me. though, and I respect everyone who trains and completes the
26.2 mile distance.
Last, congrats to all the finishers. You all did well!
larry in newport, ri