This weekend Patrick and I ran the
Houston Marathon. This was Patrick's 4th and my 1st.
If you have the means, I highly suggest doing it. The training and the satisfaction of accomplishing such a difficult goal is fairly awesome. Also, I have to say that running a marathon is a great way to see a city at a pace that lets you appreciate where you are. You pass through all sorts of neighborhoods that normally have very little in common. But on this day people of all ages, race, class, etc. line the roads in order to encourage the runners on. Many people bring sliced fruit, drinks, power bars, Kleenex, and other items needed during a long run and pass them out as you run by. Most cheer you on by name (your bib not only has a number but also your first name) and give you a high five as you pass. This was incredible to me. Complete strangers wishing everyone well. Plus, the people working the marathon (who are mostly volunteers) are the best staff ever hired to do anything. I couldn't get over how nice everyone treated each other. This really made me proud of my city. Way to go H-town.
Ian (always being the team player) stayed behind and had a
marathon of his own.
...You can't make me take off my shirt!