Observations of an Observer

Well folks, the heat is on. My very first half marathon is Saturday. (Insert sound of my impending doom).

In anticipation of my upcoming muscle soreness and brush with what surely will feel like certain death, I shall revisit my weekend experience of attending my first marathon (as a spectator, obviously). My hometown, hosted its first ever marathon, half marathon and 5K this past Sunday- which I didn’t register for. I already had my brain set on the one in Boise, based solely upon its bribes of wine and chocolate. So, I declined to participate and can honestly say now, I am sad I did. This is for a couple of reasons. 1. I am actually fiercely proud of my little hometown, and still consider it home despite having not lived there full time for almost 8 years. Also, there is a total support system when you do things in a small town, and are from said small town – all the locals were cheering other locals – while I have no doubt I will get encouragement from strangers at my See Jane Run half (and from my lovely ladies running with me) but its not quite the same as feeling like you have a town behind you. 2. I am buried in wedding planning, so I sort of wish I wasn’t leaving town to go to Boise for a weekend that could be spent on the wedding to do list. Put these together, and I am truly sad that I was a baby and didn’t participate in the first ever St. Joe Marathon.

Since I didn’t get the privilege of running the St. Joe Half, I decided to do what journalists do – write about it instead. Here are a few of my observations of the differences between half marathons and marathons:

Clearly half marathons are more attractive. The number of runners in the half was easily 2 to 3 times the number of full marathon victims (I mean participants) – which leads me to the conclusion that there are safety in numbers, and thus half marathons are safer. Or less scary. Or both. Not to mention, when you are out for a run that will last more then a couple hours, do you really want to be by yourself? Plus I am a sucker for what is popular.

People seem to actually have enjoyed themselves when they crossed the finish line of the half marathon, versus the finishers of the full. Runners of the half were smiley and cheerful, and tired, but not at all down trodden. After a little recuperation, most appeared to be able to function normally, albeit a little sore. Runners of the marathon seemed to be relieved, exhausted, and confused as to their location. I am fairly sure that I didn’t see any marathon finisher who did not have at least minor limp. Most marathon finishers appeared to have a weariness that I would associated to the feeling of being beaten with a stick. The half marathoners at least appeared 3.6 times more happy. A first time marathon finisher was overheard saying “never doing that shit again” – oh joy. More then one half finisher said – “that wasn’t TOO bad.”

However the silver lining was the observed similarity between the two groups. The overwhelming sense of camaraderie between participants. People cheering and clapping for folks they had never met, stories of strangers giving words of encouragement to those struggling. War stories of the route were shared freely. Everyone who had a finisher medal seemed to be genuinely proud of their little badge of honor – as they should be. Most made sure it was still visible on the outside of their clothes as they donned jackets and sweatshirts post race. They all seemed to smile just a bit brighter, realizing the enormity of achievement.

So when I say I am nervous for my race, it’s the truth. But it was quite the sight to see some many people, all shapes and sizes, so proud of their accomplishment and sporting their medal. I wanted to be one of them. I wanted to feel that pride – so whether I run, walk, limp, crawl and or cry my way to end on Saturday – I want to finish more then anything. So, if you get the chance, on Friday night or Saturday morning – send me some good vibes, thoughts and or prayers. Happy Running!