I swear I keep wanting and telling myself that I need to update this, but with so much going on and since I am on the computer for most of the day I really like to go home and just chill. Looking at a screen for a few more hours just isnt in me as much as it once was. But oh well, we keep going and moving forward, dont we?
I spent Memorial Day getting up kinda early and taking the Metro to Downtown LA and see the LA Marathon. I've lived here for a long time and I never went. I must say how inspiring! I was very impressed by the amount of people showing up to support but the amount of runners that also showed up even though it was a holiday. By the way, there were 18,000ish runners this year versus 30,000+ish. Still nice to watch.
I had two friends that ran as well and I feel horrible because I was crammed with all the other people on mile 26 near the finish line and my first friend blew right past me without me noticing him! I must have been adjusting my camera or something because the next thing I know he is calling me asking where I am at! DOH! So i talked to him and said congrats and stuff and waited for my other friend to come down the line.
Inspiring to say the least...
At about 5h 30m I got a call from Sam and she told me she was at mile 24 and heading my way. I told her where I was and what side I was on and waited patiently for her arrival. I shot pictures of numerous people on their last mile, some in a full sprint and some just clinging to the very fact that they were still walking and ready to topple at any second. Its amazing to see that the human condition in such style. The crowd cheering those that are in the last sprint using all their energy to finish and the crowd roaring to motivate those that can barely walk.
Then I see Sam.
She is wincing in pain, leaning to her left side, teeth bared and pushing as hard as she can using every bit of energy that she can muster to CROSS THAT FINISH LINE!
Of course everyone turns and looks at me when I am screaming at her RUN!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! RUN SAM!!!!
She crossed, just under 6 hours.
This was her 4th LA Marathon.
Proud to be her friend is an understatement.
She was worshipped that day for her dedication.
Great job SAM!
