Oh, the marathon!!!

I love love love the Chicago marathon. I'm not a runner, but there is nothing more moving to me than watching people run a marathon. I started going years back when my friend Rhessa ran her first. I got up early, took the el downtown, got a venti something or other from Starbucks, and elbowed my way to the fence near the finish line. Then I stood there and cried for two hours. I thought I was going to cheer her on, which I did. But I wasn't at all prepared for the emotion that swept over me--again and again--as I watched people run the last stretch of the marathon. Runners were laughing, crying, walking, limping. Even falling down. And then someone else, who didn't appear to know them, would stop running, give up their time, and help the person up, then accompany them to the finish line. I know i'm sentimental, but does it get any better than that?
This past Sunday was the marathon. The halfway point was half a block from our place, so we loaded up the boys and headed over. There were (before these pics were taken) tons of folks lined up, cheering, holding signs, ringing cow bells (love that). The cops that were there to provide security were clapping and yelling and cheering everyone on. Seth and I stood and watched and yelled. Brice clapped and waved and even got to give a high five to one of the runners. Harry was calm and happy and sucked on the Bjorn for an hour. Everytime I watch a marathon, I always entertain the thought of running, say, a 5k. Maybe this will be the year!!