The experience is worth the expense. The day started out perfect for a marathon and stayed perfect. Our group arrived at the New York Public Library at 6:00 A.M. sharp to catch the bus out to Statten Island, the first of the five boroughs. Everything was there for the wait for the 10:00 A.M. start. There were tents set up for the distribution of, Doughnuts, bagels, coffee, water, juice and smoothies. The only thing lacking was something to sit on as we were in a park on a military base. Quickly we discovered the doughnuts came in cardboard boxes which we secured as a layer of protection between the grass and our butts. The baggage check was right here so if we had known we could have brought something to sit on so, note to self if you return bring folding chair. The wait was a bit long so we passed the time by meeting runners from everywhere! The New York marathon truly is an international marathon. There were many runners from France, Italy and Mexico to name just a few places.

Just before 10:00 they called us to line up for the start. At 10:00 the gun sounded and we were off to the sound of a huge military plane roaring just above our heads. Like we needed to get more excited. Just a short run from where we were lined up to the actual start and there was the Verazano Narrows Bridge looming large and steep.

Shoulder to shoulder on the 4 lanes our corral (orange corral) on our side with another corral (blue corral) in the 4 lanes just across the divide, running up the hill, what an incredible site. Helicopters hovering overhead, Fire boats shooting streams of water beneath and runners surrounding us, pictures could never capture the entire scene. Down the bridge into Brooklyn where huge crowds lined the street cheering us on, children high fiveing us as we ran down the six lane divided street. Some places the crowds were 3 and 4 deep. Every time we run under a bridge or overpass the runners cheered "echo" and then hollered at the top of their lungs.

At mile 8 a third corral (green corral) joined with us at Atlantic Ave. If we thought the crowds were big and loud before then when we got here they were, in many places 10 deep on the sidewalk and they were so loud that I couldn't even hear myself when I yelled "Thank you " as loud as I could and you all know how loud I can be.

Still running in Brooklyn we turned onto Bedford and the atmosphere was a drastic contrast as the area was where the Hasidic Jews live. They were very stoic, with their top hats and dark clothing. They were also very quiet but observed us with kind regard as we passed. Somewhere near here my left ITB problem returns. I vow to walk the rest of the way as I need it to get better as still have 2 more marrys to run by January 7th.

We crossed the Pulaski Bridge and into Queens where it was a bit more subdued, but then these folks had been standing there for a few hours by then. We crossed the Queensborough Bridge into Manhattan and turned onto First Ave. and the crowds picked up again. Many of the intersections had fire trucks with fire department crews cheering us on while most of the runners were honoring them as it was these hero's who had the biggest losses on Sept 11th just a very short time ago. We ran with great crowd support all the way up into the Bronx where the crowds took on a different aspect. Still very supportive but maybe a bit more boisterous. This was the last of the five boroughs but we crossed one more bridge and were back in Manhattan in an area known as Harlem.

Harlem is where I had my most inspiring experience. I had been running with a very nice runner from Ottawa and she had the Canadian flag on her shirt. We were passing several apartment complexes made of brick when we heard a cry of "GO CANADA" as we looked up to the 3rd floor there was a big Canadian flag taped to the wall and a young girl waving a smaller Canadian flag and cheering for us. Kodak moment? You betcha. It still makes me feel great when I recall that moment.

We ran for what seemed like forever down this street until we could see Central Park and the crowds were getting bigger every block. With the park on our right and very trendy apartments on our left we continued and then turned to our right and into Central Park. The route meandered thru wooded areas and the streets were lined with cheering race supporters, the feeling of anticipation that we get as we feel that finish line drawing us ever onward.

We run out of the park and heading down yet another street, then we turn once again and pass thru a very ornate park entrance, there is a jumbotron with our images flashing across the screen as we enter the park giving us that last boost of energy that many of us need to get to that illusive finish line. The mile 26 sign! We are almost there, then a sign that says 300 yards to go, then 200 then we can see the finish area and hear the roar of the crowds at the finish. Finally there it looms, just ahead, and another jumbotron showing us sprinting for the finish. What is that I see on the jumbotron? It looks like a Rhinoceros? It is! A runner dressed in a huge foam rhinoceros costume is trying to pass me! Not this day! I get a sudden burst of energy and hold him off until I have crossed the finish line. The runner in there must have been some hot. Never know how fast you can run when a rhinoceros is chasing you.

Now for that great big medal and food. They have a family gathering area where we are to meet our support team with warm dry clothes but alas they are a no show. Lets see now, sweaty, cooling off, no money. How are we to get back to our hotel? We think that maybe we could talk our way onto the subway, after all we have our medals don't we? Lo and behold the subways are free for the marathon runners today. Life is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PGOG

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