From the second I got off the subway, I could hear all of the cheering. I followed the sound of the crowd and snaked my way around Columbus circle to the park entrance. This afforded me a view of the runners on the street along the south side of the park. At that point in the race, they have about a 1/2 mile left.
As I continued following, I started seeing people in these funny aluminum foil "shawls". I knew that I was heading the right direction. These are something the runners get when they're finished with the race to help them cool down without hurting their muscles.
I kept following the course of the marathon and wound up at the finish line right next to "Tavern on the Green". I stood on the bleachers for almost 2 hours watching people come through the last 100 yards. It was incredible.
The crowd around me was yelling for anyone who ran by. Even if they didn't know them. People wrote their names on their shirts so that they could be cheered on by strangers. It was really cool to watch people slowing down as they got to the 100 yard mark and then sprint in to the finish as people cheered them on. 
I loved this image of these two people holding hands as they crossed the finish line. There were lots of couples who did this at the end. Kind of symbolic don't you think? Maybe Jason will run it with me!
I knew that watching would either make me never want to do this or make me want to do it more than anything. I'm happy to say it was the 2nd thing. I'm so motivated now. I can't wait to be able to do it. It's such a goal unlike anything else in my life!!
This picture should serve as a before picture. Here I am 2008, watching the marathon. Let's see what this picture looks like in 2 years when I have run one.
This is towards the end. The clock above the finish line says somewhere in hour 7. 39,000 people ran in the marathon this year. 
I've joined a gym and I am working with a friend of ours, Neal, on training. I can run a little over half a mile without stopping. Only 25 1/2 more to go!! It seems like I'll never get there but I know with time it has to get easier...right?
And how could I not snap some of the pretty "Central Park in the fall" shots. It was a beautiful day for a marathon!
Jason and I have also recently discovered yoga. We found a place called Yoga to the people. Its a donation based group. There's no fee or charge for classes. They charge $2 for mat rental and then you can donate whatever you want at the end of class. If you can't give anything, it's fine.
Its truly awesome. I've never sweat so much doing anything in my life. Even my ankles sweat...gross. Jason and I are exhausted after an hour of class. See?
